Four fully-staged performaces were mounted in the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne of Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief and Britten’s The Turn of the Screw between Wednesday 17 and Saturday 20 September.

We believe our production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief was the Australian stage premiere of the original version for orchestra. Below are are also some excerpts from published critical reviews :

Hats off to IOpera! Importantly, as a platform for both seasoned artists and young and developing performers, musicians and creative teams, the company is engendering professional progression that is critical for opera and audiences alike.

Paul Selar, Australian Arts Review

Innovation, as one would expect from IOpera… the packed theatre showed the impact IOpera had on Melbourne audiences…
Graham Ford Reviews

The interpretation [of The Turn of the Screw] presented in this production raises uncomfortable questions on several levels as new sources of social tension emerge regarding child abuse and trans rights. With an intriguing story, inspired music, imaginative direction that gives us much to ponder, plus some fabulous singing, IOpera’s production of The Turn of the Screw has provided a rare opportunity that should not be missed.

Heather Leviston, Classic Melbourne

Director Robert Macfarlane provides an ingenious framing device for his updated staging…[and has all six performers working as one, drawing strong acting performances to complement the very high quality of the singing… Maestro Peter Tregear leads a full complement of 13 musicians in an exacting and pleasingly detailed performance of Britten’s intricate score. Each of the six highly talented singers give their all to the performance, and are expertly prepared…

Simon Parris, Man in Chair

In a thoroughly entertaining and seamless affair, [the production] marries Menotti’s broad and succulent musical palette with an always engaging and stylistically animated staging. It’s all achieved with simple elements that provide a visually convincing whole.

IOpera is to be applauded on the success of an opera season in which directorial ingenuity and excellent performances brought a great deal of satisfaction.

Heather Leviston, Classic Melbourne