You've heard of silent disco? Opera Australia have upped the ante with a live 'silent opera' – staged by starlight on the steps of Sydney Opera House this spring. For the upcoming production The Eighth Wonder, audience members will be tuning in via state-of-the-art headphone sets to hear the action as it unfolds in front of them on the Opera House forecourt. The singers, chorus and orchestra will perform live – the singers in plain view, and the orchestra from within the building; but all will be mic'd and transmitted to 3000-or-so audience members via wireless headphones.
When you add this to the giant inflatable screens on the Opera House steps, the 3D-printed on site bar, and the open access cricket pitch, Sydney Opera House – The Opera is shaping up to be quite the conversation starter.
There are just five performances of The Eighth Wonder.
Like your culture al fresco? Check out Opera Australia's 2017 season, including a return of the harbourside Carmen.