Tim Winton’s acclaimed novel comes to life in stylish new opera.

Merlyn Theatre/Malthouse Theatre

September 26, 2014

Any new contemporary opera reignites the spark of debate about the future of the art form as a whole. The Riders, a new co production between The Malthouse and Victorian Opera is no different. Based on the novel by celebrated Australian novelist Tim Winton, this adaption is penned by librettist Alison Croggon and composed by Iain Grandage.

The opening stage was stacked with wooden trestles, and backlit with a dark blue wash; an ominous setting for what was to come. Our protagonist, Scully is renovating his home, waiting for his wife Jennifer and his daughter Billie to arrive. On either side of the stage, trestles were stacked in spires, climbing up to an overhanging balcony that lined the upper section of the stage. Through the use of projections, we learned that Billie and Jennifer have arrived at an airport. Jennifer dwells on the claustrophobia that suffocates her, and Billie is busy discovering the story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The trestles were reconfigured, and we were now at Shannon Airport. Scully patiently waits, but only Billie comes through the arrival...