Echo, a talkative nymph of the forest, is in love with Narcissus, who only loves himself. After she is rejected, Echo retreats to the caves, doomed to forever only repeat the words she hears. Narcissus is unable to tear himself away from his own reflection and turns into a flower on the riverbank.

The gift of prophecy becomes a curse when no one believes you. Cassandra foresees that the Trojan horse will lead to the downfall of her people, but her warnings go unheeded. The gods show mortals who’s boss.

Two Melbourne-based writing teams reimagine these timeless stories in a double bill of new works commissioned as a direct response to the coronavirus crisis.

Whether watching in the theatre or livestreamed, these prescient myths will foretell and entertain. Heed their moral lessons.

Due to changing restrictions, new seats available for all performances

DOUBLE BILL – NEW WORKS

Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

Wednesday 17 March 2021, 7.30 pm
Friday 19 March 2021, 7.30 pm*
Saturday 20 March 2021, 1.00 pm**

1 h 40, including interval

Sung in English with surtitles

*Digital Access livestream available

**Audio described performance. For more details, see our Accessibility page.

As per government guidelines masks must be carried with you at all times. Masks must be worn indoors, including during a performance. Masks must also be worn outdoors where you cannot safely distance from other patrons. Read more about our venues' COVIDSafe procedures.

Digital Access

The performance of Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra on Friday 19 March at 7.30 pm will be livestreamed as part of our Virtual Victorian Opera program. You can purchase digital access as part of a subscription package or individually, with both live and on-demand streaming options.

Digital Subscription $24
Digital Access $30
(Processing fees apply per order)

Conductor Simon Bruckard
Director Sam Strong
Set and Costume Designer Anna Cordingley
Lighting Designer Paul Jackson
Sound Designer Jim Atkins
Orchestra Victorian Opera Chamber Ensemble

Echo and Narcissus

Composer Kevin March
Librettist Jane Montgomery Griffiths

Cast

Echo Kathryn Radcliffe
Narcissus Nathan Lay
Female Ensemble

Cassandra

Composer Simon Bruckard
Librettist Constantine Costi

Cast

Priam Simon Meadows
Apollo Samuel Sakker
Cassandra Shakira Dugan