There's a feeling of rebirth and resurgence in Melbourne at the moment, and Victorian Opera is tapping into it with two new operatic offerings, both modernising classic tales. Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra is a double bill premiering to audiences this March and reinvigorating the myths in the process.
Though ancient in origin, the stories are still, arguably, highly relevant to contemporary society. In Echo and Narcissus the nymph Echo falls in love with the beautiful Narcissus, who unfortunately is only in love with his own reflection. Echo runs off to mope in a cave (repeating her words, thus creating an 'echo') while Narcissus remains fixated on his own reflection so long that he turns into a flower – a narcissus.
In Cassandra, we're regaled with the tale of the doomed prophet of the same name. She knows of the Trojan Horse's arrival, but no one believes her. Not to put too fine a point on it, but a story about a woman who knows what's about to happen but is ignored by the men in charge is one that remains relatable thousands of years later.
Echo and Narcissus was composed by Kevin March and librettist Jane Montgomery Griffiths, while Cassandra comes courtesy composer librettist Constantine Costi and composer Simon Bruckard (who also conducts both productions). Kathryn Radcliffe and Nathan Lay star in the titular roles in Echo and Narcissus, with Shakira Dugan leading as Cassandra alongside Samuel Sakker as Apollo and Simon Meadows as Priam.
Can't make it to the performance in person? Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra is streaming live and worldwide on Friday, March 19. Tickets for the double bill are available now.
