VIDEO: Kinky History’s Esme James talks Mozart with Abduction Director Con Costi
As opening night of Mozart’s Abduction (The Abduction from the Seraglio) approaches, join sex historian, author and Kinky History creator Esme James and Director Costantine Costi for a fascinating interview about the historic production.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was anything but prim and proper. From his prolific letters, we know the composer not only pushed the boundaries of music, but was also unashamedly kinky.
As historian Esme James and director Con Costi discuss, this sense of sexual freedom was core to the culture 18th-century Vienna, when Mozart was writing his operas. And this is the spirit of Victorian Opera’s Abduction, an opera that captures “modern-day lust with classical yearning”.
As Con Costi explains: “It’s a dark rom-com, and that’s something I’ve never seen before, which should be fun. There’s something for everyone, really, under that.”
Our video below is essential viewing for anyone interested in Mozart, music and thigh-high boots. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or something stronger), and enjoy the fascinating discussion from two of Australia’s most creative individuals.