IOpera presented a 40th Anniversary Production of The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat at the Athenaeum Theatre 2 on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 2026 to international acclaim
Reviews
“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”
- Patricia Maunder, Limelight Magazine
“there was a great deal to admire in this production. Macfarlane and his fellow artists are to be congratulated for their initiative in bringing a significant work to our attention and mounting it in such an entertaining way”
- Heather Leviston, Classic Melbourne
“Under Peter Tregear’s attentive musical direction and that of his 7 adroit musicians, Nyman’s score reveals its thoughtful blend: rhythmically charged, with poignant, repetitive passages in the vein of Phillip Glass.
It remains pleasantly accessible, occasionally comical, and is punctuated by excerpts from Robert Schumann – including Ich grolle nicht, a favourite of Dr P, which Hillier delivers with immense gravitas and nuanced baritone muscularity.”
- Paul Selar, Australian Arts Review
“What struck me in particular was how the overall stregth of commitment and artistry managed to lift the opera itself into a higher realm, far more effective in its dramatic emotional reach than it might normally be. Part of this was down the conductor (and IOpera’s guiding light) Peter Tregear whose sensitive direction… made Nyman’s minimalist score come alive, often with lyricism and emotion, especially in the opera’s elegiac final moments. The cast was faultless. Extra kudos to (Robert) Macfarane, who… also directed and designed the show. With The Man Who MisTook His Wife for a Hat the company has done itself proud.
- Michael Shmith, Opera Magazine (UK)