Based on the German folk tale Der Freischütz, already adapted by Weber for his 1821 opera of the same name, Black Rider is covered in the grimy, brilliant fingerprints of William S Burroughs, who wrote the book, and composer-lyricist Tom Waits. A fearless cast drawn from opera, cabaret and theatre revel in both the grime and brilliance, as Malthouse Theatre and Victorian Opera once again unite to take musical theatre beyond the comfort zone.

Both timeless and deeply modern because of its theme of addiction, this tragicomic fable centres on Wilhelm the clerk. He is in love with Kätchen, but her father does not approve; he wants her to marry a huntsman, and already has one lined up. Wilhelm goes to the forest, where his dismal rifle skills are transformed by a Faustian pact with Pegleg. This devilish character offers him bullets that will never miss their mark, but warns that one will remain under her control. Wilhelm is immediately hooked on easy success. The wedding is set and Pegleg’s magic bullet finds its victim.

^{Dimity Shepherd and Kanen Breen in Victorian Opera and Malthouse Theatre’s Black Rider. Photos ©...}