News & Events

Blacktown Arts Centre in collaboration with Pacific Opera is pleased to present the 2007 production of The Barber of Seville - a shortened version of the Opera sung in English by a bunch of fresh young singers. Ideal for audiences who have never experience the Opera before, Pacific Opera will perform The Barber of Seville, on Saturday, November 10 at 8pm in the Bowman Hall, Blacktown.

Set around an Aussie hairdresser made good in LA, a young heiress trying to escape her strict controller, an incognito superstar who's dying to hook up with her, it's all happening in The Barber of Seville, an operatic comedy by Rossini.

A narrator will take you through the story as the various characters sing their hearts out, all trying to get what they want. Does the guy get the girl, does the girl get the guy? Find out in this crisp production by director Christine Douglas and thrill to the sound of these young Aussie opera singers at the start of their big careers.

The Barber of Seville has a plot rich in disguise, love and chaos. Figaro, barber to LA's rich and famous, assists the young heiress, Rosina, to rebel against her controlling guardian, Dr. Bartolo. When Figaro hooks her up with an Aussie superstar, all hell breaks loose in the gated community of "Seville".

Director Christine Douglas brings out all the farce and hilarity of Beaumarchais' great comic play by updating the action to contemporary LA and performing the opera in English.

"Pacific Opera's philosophy is to create a place for emerging talent, curious audiences and creative freedom to meet," Artistic Director Christine Douglas said. "It's a fantastic way to open up the art form to young audiences interested in opera and theatre whilst giving the classics, such as The Barber of Seville, a new lease on life," she said.

"This is a wonderful introduction to the opera for those who not experienced such a performance. We are delighted to give the community an opportunity to experience opera in their local area in this unique way," Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly said.

Douglas McRae, who stars as Figaro, has a diploma and bachelor of music in classical voice and is the winner of numerous scholarships for vocal talent. Martin Buckingham, who will perform the role of the amorous Al Maviva, is studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has previously appeared in opera, musical theatre and short films. Maria Okunev, a Russian-born Soprano who has graduated from the Conservatorium and teaches voice, plays the beautiful Rosina. She is also the director of music with the Australian Youth Choir.

James Roser will play Dr. Bartolo. He has previously sung the title roles in Don Giovanni and Rigoletto and holds an honours degree in environmental science. Gary Pollack features as Basilio, was most recently seen as the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance and was a finalist in the Covent Garden National Opera Studio Scholarship in Melbourne in 2000. Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon, who will play Bertha, began her career as a child chorister for Opera Australia and is currently at the Sydney Conservatorium undertaking a Diploma of Opera. (Please see the attached Artist biographies for more details on the performers).

Pacific Opera exists to bring dynamic opera productions to Australian audiences, sung by emerging young singers in intimate venues, accompanied by chamber orchestra. The company's annual activities provide professional development for young artists under the supervision of industry professionals, employing young professionals in stage design, lighting design, stage management and welcoming interns wherever possible.

No other company in Australia is dedicated to providing performance opportunities to young Australian opera singers and developing audiences in this way.

The Barber of Seville

Venue: Bowman Hall, Civic Plaza, Campbell St, Blacktown
Time/Dates: 8pm Saturday 10 November
Ticket Price: Premium $20 / Adult $17 / Concession $15

Tickets are available for purchase from Blacktown City Council Information Centre,

62 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown (Open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm)