With under two weeks until opening night at Her Majesty’s Theatre, the full cast of The Magic Flute is in Adelaide, rehearsing for State Opera South Australia’s dazzling new production. This highly anticipated Australian premiere promises to elevate Mozart’s magnificent score to new heights, blending soaring music with rich mythology, ancient symbolism and the electrifying energy of downtown Hong Kong.
Following a triumphant and sold-out premiere in Hong Kong earlier this year, The Magic Flute arrives in Adelaide as a celebration of global creativity and cultural dialogue. Supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, this world-first collaboration between Australian and Chinese opera companies sees State Opera South Australia, Opera Hong Kong, and the Beijing Music Festival collaborate on a production that will travel to Beijing in 2026.
“This production marks a bold new chapter for State Opera,” said Artistic Director Dane Lam. “It’s the first season I’ve programmed, and it’s our statement of intent: ambitious, international, and deeply human. The Magic Flute was written for everyone, literally for the People’s Theatre in Vienna. It is joyful, profound, and full of wisdom – and we’ve reimagined it in a world inspired by the rhythm and movement of a busy Asian metropolis. I’m thrilled to have this extraordinary cast here in Adelaide bringing it to life.”
Set in a realm where love must overcome fear and enlightenment is earned through courage and compassion, the opera brims with unforgettable characters, dazzling transformations and moments of real humour. In this staging by visionary Chinese director Shuang Zou, the action unfolds in a subterranean landscape – part Hong Kong metro, part mythic multiverse – brought to vivid life by award- winning Australian designer Dan Potra.
The Magic Flute follows the journey of young prince Tamino, who is sent to rescue the beautiful Pamina from the clutches of the mysterious Sarastro. Guided by the irrepressible bird-catcher Papageno and armed with a magic flute, Tamino must face a series of mystical trials that test his courage, wisdom and love. Along the way, he encounters wicked queens, enchanted creatures and secret brotherhoods, in a tale where nothing is quite as it seems and where the triumph of love and enlightenment over fear remains as captivating today as it was more than two centuries ago.
The production features a stellar international and Australian cast: Nicholas Jones as Tamino, Sofia Troncoso as Pamina, David Greco as Papageno, Danielle Bavli making her Queen of the Night debut, and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Sarastro, alongside Helena Dix, Catriona Barr, Fiona McArdle, Jess Dean, Mark Oates, Pelham Andrews and more – with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in the pit.
This new production of The Magic Flute has been made possible with the support of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, an Australian Government initiative committed to strengthening practical cooperation and engagement between Australia and China.
Gary Cowan, CEO of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations said, “The Foundation is delighted to support the South Australia State Opera’s program of collaborative performances of The Magic Flute in Hong Kong and mainland China. It is brilliant to see our artists from Australia working together with their counterparts in Hong Kong and Beijing. This kind of cultural exchange deepens our people-to-people ties and our friendship. The project will also strengthen Australia’s reputation for producing world class artists and performances.”
Minister for Arts, Andrea Michaels MP, said: “This international collaboration speaks to the kind of bold, outward-looking work that defines South Australia’s cultural ambition. The Magic Flute is a shining example of how South Australia can lead in artistic innovation, cultural diplomacy and global performance.”
Don’t miss this once-in-a-generation operatic event. The Magic Flute plays at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 28 August – 6 September 2025. Tickets start at just $79, with $35 tickets available for under 30s. For more information and tickets, visit stateopera.com.au
