One of Melbourne’s tiny, independent and rarely seen opera companies pops up with something even more rare: Michael Nyman’s chamber opera The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Has it ever been seen before in Australia?

IOpera presents this one-hour, one-act work on the smell of an oily rag with a principal cast of Australians who will be pleasingly familiar to Melbourne opera enthusiasts: Robert Macfarlane, who is also the production’s director and designer; Elena Xanthoudakis; and Christopher Hillier, a champion of contemporary opera.

Elena Xanthoudakis, Robert Macfarlane and Christopher Hillier. Photo © Robin Halls

Premiering in London in 1986, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is based on the titular essay in neurologist Oliver Sacks’s popular 1985 book of 24 case studies. Christopher Rawlence’s libretto follows neurologist Dr S’s diagnosis of singer and music professor Dr P, who is experiencing visual agnosia.

Also known as mental blindness, it means Dr P sees but often struggles to recognise people and objects. We observe this in a series of simple tests with cartoons, photographs, a rose, glove and mental exercises including describing a familiar street.

He manages with the help of his devoted wife, Mrs P, and by leaning on non-visual cognitive functions particularly his musical ability.

Elena Xanthoudakis, Robert Macfarlane and Christopher Hillier. Photo © Robin Halls

Nyman, best known for his scores for several Peter Greenaway films of the 1980s and 90s, conveys this tale’s simple drama and humour with music that’s by turns appealingly rhythmic, playful and lyrical. His references to Schumann’s songs culminate in a pivotal scene in which Dr P sings Ich grolle nicht from the German composer’s Dichterliebe song cycle.

This is handsomely sung by baritone Hillier as Dr P, but The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is mostly recitative so the principals (briefly supported by three wordless actors) haven’t much opportunity for vocal delight.

Unfortunately it’s often difficult to understand what they are singing, in part due to the intimacy of the studio space that is the Athenaeum’s secondary theatre.

It means their powerful operatic voices can be overwhelming, while they are also at times overwhelmed by the musicians on a stage behind the action. Under the direction of IOpera’s co-founder Peter Tregear, the seven-strong ensemble is otherwise sympathetic whatever the music’s mood.

Christopher Hillier and Elena Xanthoudakis. Photo © Robin Halls

The work’s emotional intent is never in doubt thanks to the singers’ assured vocal and dramatic interpretations. Hillier gives us a man who is dignified and intelligent, but at times befuddled. In one scene he simultaneously sings and devours several biscuits; though the lyrics are admittedly repetitive nonsense, it’s a daring achievement.

Soprano Xanthoudakis consistently expresses loving patience and compassion as Mrs P. Her sustained high notes in a disagreement with Dr S also shows a fierce protectiveness of her husband.

Tenor Macfarlane’s Dr S is dedicated and curious, with a proverbial bedside manner wavering between compassionate and scientific. He’s also an accomplished in-character piano accompanist for the Schumann song.

Lit by Maria Woolford, Macfarlane’s set is practical with an air of vintage that’s also apparent in the costumes. Several items of furniture from chairs to a hatstand accommodate the action, while projections on two screens upstage offer insights into Dr P’s reality. This includes amusing footage of Hillier in character talking to a letterbox and pole, and photos of people close to Dr P that he looks at but doesn’t recognise.

This is the opposite of a grand production and grand opera, but hats off (pun intended) to all concerned for staging this rare gem of contemporary opera in its 40th year. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is an intriguing story with music that’s both fascinating and accessible, so opera buffs and those looking for something different should hurry to catch this very limited season.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is at Athenaeum Theatre 2, Melbourne, until 21 March.