The University of Queensland School of Music is set to captivate audiences with an innovative interpretation of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. This vibrant reimagining transforms the beloved opera into a 1920s speakeasy with a mafia twist, showcasing the timelessness of Mozart’s themes in a fresh and engaging way. Performances will take place at the Opera Queensland Studio, featuring a stellar cast of UQ music students and an exceptional creative team.
Tickets for The Marriage of Figaro sold out within 1 week of release, highlighting the immense demand and excitement surrounding this inventive production. The overwhelming response reflects the community’s enthusiasm for high-quality, imaginative performances that breathe new life into classic works.
Directed by Dr Shaun Brown, Director of Performance at the UQ School of Music, the production blends the glamour and danger of prohibition-era speakeasies with Mozart’s enduring exploration of love, deception, and rebellion. “The 1920s setting allows us to highlight the opera’s power struggles and class dynamics in a way that feels modern and relatable,” Dr Brown explained. “The Count becomes a mafia don, Susanna a resourceful flapper dancer, and Figaro a clever club manager. This backdrop amplifies the drama, intrigue, and humour of the story.”
This reimagining features period-inspired costumes, evocative choreography, and a reduced orchestration reminiscent of an early swing band, giving the music an energetic, contemporary edge while preserving its classical essence.
“The speakeasy era, with its clandestine meetings and forbidden indulgence, mirrors the opera’s themes of secrecy and desire perfectly,” Dr Brown added. “We’ve worked hard to ensure this production retains the heart of Mozart’s work while offering audiences something new and exciting.”
The cast features some of UQ’s most talented music students, including baritone Jenson White as the Count, sopranos Eline van Bruggen and Kate Woodford sharing the role of Susanna and Kaija Scott portraying the elegant but disillusioned Countess.
Acclaimed Australian conductor and Bachelor of Music (Honours) alum Nathan Aspinall leads the UQ Figaro Orchestra, bringing his global expertise and passion for music to the production. Together with the creative team, the students aim to deliver an unforgettable theatrical and musical experience.
Even more noteworthy is that the entire set, costumes, makeup, hair and props, were developed by the UQ Singers. This work-integrated-learning project provides them with the type of hands-on experience that future employers are looking for.
