The Selfish Giant

7–21 May 2027 The Round (Nunawading), Darebin Arts Centre, Bunjil Place, Online

Victorian Opera brings The Selfish Giant back to the stage in May 2027

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Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information

Victorian Opera revisits a theatrical treasure in May 2027 with its acclaimed adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant returning for schools and families.

Since its publication in 1888, Wilde’s timeless tale has captivated young readers with the story of a cantankerous giant who discovers the joy and beauty that come from opening one’s heart. After banishing children from his garden, the Giant is plunged into an endless Winter until the children’s secret return brings the warmth and colour of Spring, teaching him the true richness of generosity.

Premiered in 2019, this award‑winning adaptation was created by two of Victorian Opera’s former Developing Artists: composer Simon Bruckard and librettist Emma Muir‑Smith. Their 60‑minute production blends playful, eclectic music with heartfelt storytelling, performed in English and perfect for young audiences.

Originally commissioned by Victorian opera in 2019 and presented again in 2022.

→Register: In-theatre→

→Register: Online only→

EDUCATION SHOW

Learn more about Access All Areas 2027.

Explore Access All Areas 2026 – The Magic Pudding: The Opera available until November 2026.

Dates & Info

Friday 7 May to Friday 21 May 2027

Duration
60 minutes (approximately)

Language
Sung in English

The Round, Nunawading
Friday 7 May, 10.30 am & 1.00 pm*

Darebin Arts Centre
Friday 14 May, 10.30 am

Bunjil Place
Friday 21 May, 10.30 am & 1.00 pm*

* Relaxed performance

Online from Friday 21 May, 10.30 am via Access All Areas

The commissioning of this new Australian work was made possible through the generosity of Professor Barbara van Ernst AM.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne

Generously Supported by

RELAXED PERFORMANCE IS SUPPORTED BY

Marian & E H Flack Trust

William Angliss Charitable Trust

Open young minds to a new experience

Victorian Opera’s Access All Areas returns in 2027. This program provides Primary School students an exciting backstage pass to the opera.

Presented across four 25-minute workshops online, each workshop showcases a different aspect of staging an opera: the voice, design, technical production and the orchestra. Access All Areas concludes with watching The Selfish Giant in a theatre or streamed online.

All schools receive free access to all Access All Areas 2027 content with their booking – both in-theatre and online only. This program is supported by Education Resources and associated activities.

Starting from mid-April, as part of the purchase price, four interactive workshops are streamed direct to classrooms across Victoria. All content is easily accessed online via a dedicated viewing portal and available on demand for six months, to better suit individual school timetabling.