There are few stories as deeply embedded in our collective imagination as Hansel and Gretel. The trail of breadcrumbs, the gingerbread house, the cunning witch. Now, State Opera South Australia is giving the Brothers Grimm tale a bold theatrical reimagining in a world premiere production that will debut in Adelaide before touring internationally.
Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera, with its lush orchestral score and folk-inspired melodies, has long been considered the ideal introduction to opera. This new production, running from 21 to 29 August 2026 at Her Majesty’s Theatre, promises to honour that tradition while delivering something visually and emotionally contemporary.
An international cast makes its Adelaide debut
The production marks the Australian debut of Kangmin Justin Kim, the Korean American countertenor who has become one of the most sought-after voices on the international opera circuit. Kim takes the role of Hansel alongside American soprano Sofia Troncoso as Gretel.
Artistic Director and Conductor Dane Lam describes securing Kim as a significant moment for the company. “Justin is one of the world’s most in-demand performers,” Lam says. “Securing his Australian debut for Hansel & Gretel is a major coup for State Opera and South Australia.”
The cast brings together international and local talent. Australian mezzo-soprano Catherine Carby takes on the dual roles of the Witch and Mother, Adelaide baritone Morgan Pearse plays Peter, and emerging South Australian soprano Lucy Stoddart performs as both the Dew Fairy and the Sandman.
A creative team with serious credentials
Director Constantine Costi and designer Jonathon Oxlade, both acclaimed Australian collaborators, have shaped a production that promises cinematic storytelling alongside striking visual design. The approach respects the fairy tale’s darker undertones while making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
“From its eminently hummable tunes to its infectious rhythms and harmonies, Hansel & Gretel is opera for the entire family,” Lam says. “Everyone knows the Hansel & Gretel story but stay tuned for this new production that will have audiences marvelling at this familiar story made new.”
The production is sung in German with English surtitles, running approximately two hours and twenty minutes with interval.
Adelaide first, then the world
This Hansel & Gretel is a co-production between State Opera South Australia and Opera Hong Kong. After its world premiere season in Adelaide, the production will tour to Hong Kong in 2027, following the successful partnership between the two companies for Mozart’s The Magic Flute in 2025.
Executive Director Mark Taylor sees this as evidence of South Australia’s capacity to create work that travels. “Hansel & Gretel’s world premiere in South Australia, before touring to Hong Kong, demonstrates that major new opera can be created in South Australia and shared with audiences around the world.”
It reinforces a broader ambition for State Opera during its Golden Jubilee Season: to position Adelaide as a destination for ambitious new operatic work, attracting international artists while nurturing local talent.
The details
Hansel & Gretel plays Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide.
- Friday 21 August 2026, 7.30pm
- Tuesday 25 August 2026, 7.30pm
- Thursday 27 August 2026, 7.30pm
- Saturday 29 August 2026, 7.30pm
Tickets from $35. A family ticket package is available.
The production is recommended for ages 10 and over.
For bookings and further information, visit stateopera.com.au.
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