Thespis
Alexander Theatre, Monash University
April 16, 17 & 23 at 8.00 pm
April 17, 24 at 2.00 pm
Thespis was first performed in 1871 at the Gaiety Theatre, London. It is an extravaganza in which the Greek gods, grown elderly, are temporarily replaced by a troup of actors and actresses. One of these actors is the eponymous Thespis, the Greek father of drama. It is an ingenious and humorous political satire and parody of Grand Opera. It mimics Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld and La Belle Helene, which, in translation, were enormous hits on the English musical stage at the time.
Recently restored and professionally staged in London by Timothy Henty and Anthony Baker, this is the first time the opera, in any version, has been staged in Australia! With additional music by Jacques Offenbach this is a wonderful recreation of an almost "lost" opera. Cheekier and spicier than the later G&S operas this promises to be the most exciting light opera event of the Century. Designed by James Wright and Phoenix Zhou and Musical Direction by John Ferguson.
Directed and Choreographed by James Wright
Music arranged and orchestrated by Timothy Henty
Libretto revised by Anthony Baker
| CAST | |
| Thespis | Ron Pidcock |
| Nicemis | Felicity Caterer |
| Sparkeion | Tracey Hendy |
| Daphne | Claire Colthup |
| Sillimon | Kyp Iacovou |
| Pretteia | Jessica Yeo |
| Tipseion | Jamie Moffat |
| Timidon | Austin Moore |
| Cymon | Rebecca Muratore |
| Jupiter | Lucas Richter |
| Apollo | Andrew McGrail |
| Mars | Edward Burger |
| Diana | Judith O'Shea |
| Venus | Christine Keys |
| Mercury | Ilsa Cook |
| Chorus | |
| Jenny Coll, Alicia Marcano, Susannah Middleton, Lisa Steinmetz, Zoe Taylor, Dave Gerard, Peter Hanway, Peter Hirst, Ben Klein, Jamie Tampion. | |
| Director and Designer | |
| James Wright | |
| Musical Director | |
| John Ferguson | |
We are looking for sopranos, mezzos, tenors and baritones keen to join the chorus of fairies and peers for what promises to be a fresh and exuberant production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most entrancing works. Whether you already know your tarantaras from your tollollays, or whether you’ve never ventured into G & S topsy turvy land before – we would love to see you!
