The Adelaide premiere of Graeme Murphy's lavish new production of a classic Egyptian opera

Director: Graeme Murphy

Conductor: Graham Abbott

Visual Designer: Michael Gruchy

Set Designer: Roger Kirk, concept by Graeme Murphy

Costume Design: Roger Kirk

Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper

Projection Designer: The Brothers Gruchy

Messenger: Adam Goodburn

Cast: Kate Ladner, Rosario la Spina, Elizabeth Campbell, Douglas McNicol, David Parkin, Lecia Robertson, Adam Goodburn, State Opera Chorus

Graeme Murphy's lavish new production of Giuseppe Verdi's Egyptian opera masterpiece Aida - complete with golden pyramids - is coming to Adelaide.

Graeme Murphy's lavish new production of Giuseppe Verdi's Egyptian opera masterpiece Aida - complete with golden pyramids - is making its premiere in Adelaide after garnering rave reviews interstate. Originally created for the Opera Conference in 2008, the Adelaide shows will be presented by the State Opera of South Australia.

The opera follows the story of beautiful Ethiopian princess Aida, captured and enslaved in Egypt, who is torn between her connection to her homeland and the man who lovers her, Radames. Radames is appointed commander of the Egyptian army with orders to fight the Ethiopian invasion, but also struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh.

The daughter of the King senses the feelings between Radames and Aida, which angers her as she too is in love with him. Radames returns victorious with many Ethiopian prisoners including Aida's father Amonasro. Reunited with his daughter, Amonasro persuades Aida to discover the Egyptian battle plan from Radames. In doing so, he is overheard by the jealous Amneris, arrested and condemned to be buried alive. Somehow Aida succeeds in joining her beloved in his subterranean cell where the two find love forever in death.

Verdi's magnificent opera uses these dramatic events and emotions to create one of his greatest masterpieces, with a sensational score packed with many of his most famous arias, ensembles and choruses. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera Chorus help bring this unforgettable show to life.

Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.