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Opera

Whiteley

Sydney Opera House with Whiteley exhibition banner displayed.

Explore the tumultuous life of an Australian art icon, Brett Whiteley, and witness both the genius and demons that plagued the man. Experience his story through a breathtaking opera performance, created by two of the finest theater artists from Australia!

Why Watch Whiteley

Based on the legendary Australian artist, Brett Whiteley, the production explores his life and work. The production aims to capture the brilliance of the man, who had to battle his inner demons. Brought to the Australian stage by two eminent artists in their own right, playwright Justin Fleming and composer Elena Kats-Chernin, Whiteley promises to give you an exclusive insight into the mind of a true avant-garde art genius. Kats-Chernin is renowned for her compositions and stands apart from other contemporaries in the field. She has been praised for her ability to create music with an outpouring of color and life, something that is rarely attributed to other composers. Fleming is one of the most eminent Australian playwrights of this generation, and his work is well known to be infused with emotion and wit, which make for an enjoyable show. Experience opera like never before, as you witness an astonishing performance on stage!

The Story

Brett Whiteley burst onto the art scene with the same intensity he did anything else. He adored heroin, which was both his muse, as well as master. It enabled him to work with vibrant hues and was also his downfall. He goes on to marry Wendy Julius, who features as his muse in several paintings. Leading a tumultuous life, Whiteley produced a series of breathtaking paintings that were incredibly popular. He was the first big rock star from art in Australia and enjoyed immense popularity during the latter half of the 20th century. Although dynamic and exceptionally talented, Whiteley often turned to drugs and alcohol and found it impossible to liberate himself from them throughout his life. In his later years, he became more dependant on these substances, which led to his imminent death in 1992. Follow the lives of the Whiteleys and find out how Brett Whiteley transformed into one of the icons of Australia!

Good for

Lovers of Biographies | Opera Fans | Admirers of Brett Whiteley

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

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2/5
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1/5
107

Show Details

Show Timings

15th-30th Jul 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Duration
2 hours including one intermission

Leading Roles
Leigh Melrose as Brett Whiteley
Julie Lea Goodwin as Wendy Whiteley
Kate Amos as Arkey Whiteley

Director
David Freeman

Conductor
Tahu Matheson

Additional Information

Audience
Suitable for ages 8 and up. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Available Facilities
In-house bar
Wheelchair accessible

Seating
The Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House has a seating capacity of 1,507.

Outside Food
Strictly prohibited. If you'd like to grab a meal before or after the show, check out Overture Dining in the Northern Foyer of the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

You will receive an email confirmation along with your mobile voucher shortly. Your tickets will be available at the Box Office of the Sydney Opera House about one hour before the performance. You will need to display a photo ID to collect your tickets.

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