There is something unsettling at the heart of every fairy tale. Beneath the magic and the happy endings lies something darker: abandonment, hunger, the terror of being lost. It is this psychological undertow that State Opera South Australia has seized upon for its new production of Hansel & Gretel, transforming a beloved work into something altogether more visceral and contemporary.
Playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 21 to 29 August, this production arrives in State Opera’s 50th anniversary year. It is a fitting way to mark the milestone: ambitious, visually arresting, and unafraid to probe the emotional depths of a score that has captivated audiences for more than a century.
A score of extraordinary richness
Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, a disciple and protégé of Richard Wagner, Hansel & Gretel is no simple children’s entertainment. Its orchestration is lush and sophisticated, drawing on the Wagnerian tradition while maintaining an accessibility that has made it one of the most frequently performed operas in the repertoire.
The music moves between moments of tender beauty and passages of genuine unease. There are echoes of folk melody woven through the score, grounding the fantastical narrative in something recognisably human. It is this emotional complexity that makes the opera ripe for reinterpretation, and this production leans fully into its psychological dimensions.
For those unfamiliar with opera, Hansel & Gretel offers an ideal entry point. The story is known, the music is immediately affecting, and the emotional stakes are universal. For seasoned opera lovers, this staging promises fresh perspectives on a celebrated work.
World-class talent takes the stage
The production brings together an exceptional cast led by Kangmin Justin Kim, the internationally acclaimed countertenor making his Australian debut. Kim has performed on the world’s great stages, and his presence in Adelaide represents a significant coup for State Opera.
Alongside him, soprano Sofia Troncoso brings her considerable talents to the production, while Catherine Carby takes on the role of the Witch. It is a part that demands both vocal prowess and theatrical presence, and Carby’s casting promises a portrayal that will linger in the memory.
A visually arresting world
Director Constantine Costi has approached the material with a contemporary sensibility, creating a staging that balances wonder with an undercurrent of menace. The production explores themes of fear, survival and the search for home through a lens that feels urgently relevant.
Set and costume design by Jonathon Oxlade creates a world where beauty and danger collide. The visual language is cinematic, immersive, and deeply atmospheric. This is not a prettified fairy tale but something richer and more challenging: an examination of what it means to be vulnerable, to be lost, and ultimately to find your way back.
Fifty years of State Opera
State Opera South Australia has been a cornerstone of our state’s cultural life for half a century. Through five decades, the company has brought world-class opera to Adelaide audiences, nurturing local talent while attracting international artists to our stages.
This golden jubilee production of Hansel & Gretel encapsulates everything the company does best: ambitious programming, exceptional casting, and a willingness to take creative risks. It is opera that respects its audience’s intelligence while remaining accessible and emotionally engaging.
Hansel & Gretel plays at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide from 21 to 29 August. With a limited season, booking early is advisable. Visit State Opera South Australia’s website for tickets and further information.
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