The Pearl Fishers melds passion and exoticism into a spellbinding story...

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Director: Luke Dollman (Conductor), Luke Dollman (Conductor), Luise Napier (Rehearsals), Ann-Margret Petterson (Original Director)

Writer: Georges Bizet

Scenery: John Conklin

Costume Designer: Clare Mitchell

Lighting Designer: Nigel Levings

Choreographer: Rosetta Cook

Cast: Leanne Kenneally, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, James Egglestone, Pelham Andrews, State Opera Chorus, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Georges Bizet's sensuous and romantic tale transports us to the land of The Pearl Fishers on the coast of Ceylon. Their chief, Zurga, meets up with his old friend Nadir and they recall in the world famous duet 'In the depths of the Temple' their former rivalry for the hand of the beautiful priestess Leila, who they renounced for the sake of their friendship.

Leila arrives and prays to Brahma for the pearl fishers' safety; she and Nadir recognize each other and their love is immediately revived. Discovered by the outraged high priest, the lovers are captured and brought before Zurga. Seized with jealousy he condemns them both to death but soon realises that it was Leila, as a small girl, who years earlier had saved his life.

As Leila and Nadir prepare to face death together, Zurga cries out that the camp is on fire. As the pearl fishers rush away to fight the flames, Zurga releases Leila and Nadir, declaring that he is now repaying the debt he owes her. As the lovers escape, Zurga awaits his own death in the approaching fire.

Bizet's beautiful score overflows with dramatic energy and in this visually captivating production reveals many alluring images of the lush and mysterious Ceylonese landscape, the ruined temple at sunset, the pearl divers and the enigmatic veiled beauty of Leila. The Pearl Fishers melds passion and exoticism into a spellbinding story.

Sung in French with English surtitles.

This State Opera of SA production is presented by arrangement with Opera Australia.