Reimagining The Fairy Queen

Eden Shifroni’s love of baroque music was sparked during her time at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, particularly, she told The AJN, when she performed the role of Poppea in The Coronation of Poppea. Now, she finds herself debuting in Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen for Pinchgut Opera, directed by Netia Jones.

“During my studies, I also had the opportunity to observe Pinchgut’s rehearsals for Handel’s Rinaldo, which was an invaluable experience and made me eager to work with the company,” Shifroni said. “To now be part of their production of The Fairy Queen feels like a full-circle moment.”

Shifroni said the production is also a major milestone in her career.

The Fairy Queen unfolds over 24 hours, taking audiences through a kaleidoscope of moments – joyful, poignant, comedic and dramatic – all set against Purcell’s sublime score. At the heart of this contemporary reimagining is Jones’s signature interactive video projection, creating an ever-changing backdrop that brings opera to life in a modern yet deeply expressive setting.

Everything happens quite quickly in The Fairy Queen. It’s the largest number of costumes in a Pinchgut production. And while Shifroni said changing that quickly is a theatrical skill in itself, the costumes are integral to playing all the different characters.

“What’s particularly exciting about this production is that every soloist also makes up the chorus ensemble, meaning that we are constantly present on stage in different roles. The costume design plays a huge part in helping the audience navigate the shifting characters and moods and I can’t wait to bring that to life.”

Shifroni refers to the increased technology use as truly innovating, promising to enhance the opera experience.

“This approach feels particularly immersive. Instead of static scenery, the stage becomes a dynamic, shifting canvas that reflects the opera’s themes of love and connection,” Shifroni said. “Not only does it make the storytelling even more engaging, but it also helps bridge the gap between a baroque work and a contemporary audience.”

For Shifroni, it makes the production feel fresh and relevant while still honouring the music. “Baroque opera has always been theatrical and imaginative and this production takes that to a whole new level.”

The Fairy Queen is at Roslyn Packer Theatre, June 7-14. For tickets, visit pinchgutopera.com.au