West Australian Opera and Circa’s re-staging (this production has been staged twice in Australia – in 2019 with Opera Queensland, and early 2024 for the Sydney Festival) of Gluck’s 1762 rendition of the Orpheus legend attempts to inject some 21st century adrenaline into well-worn operatic territory, and for the most part it’s very successful.

Overall, this production is slickly produced, arresting to look at, and classily performed by the entire cast both musical and acrobatic. The audience on opening night received it rapturously, and it is very welcome to see ambitious new takes on works with new collaborators in Australian produced opera such as Circa.

Prudence Sanders and Russell Harcourt in Orpheus & Eurydice. Photo © West Beach Studio

When it works, it’s spectacular. Besides an in form WASO, assured conducting from Chris van Tuinen and terrific singing from a soulful Russel Harcourt and gorgeous shining soprano loveliness from Prudence Sanders, there are wonderful moments of astounding physicality from Circa. Cue writhingly expressive women and men climbing and catapulting across the stage (and each other), gorgeous and highly effective stark red/white/black costume design elements from Libby McDonnell, excellent lighting and melting...