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Venue

Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
corner Grey & Melbourne Streets, South Bank, Queensland

Language

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Running time

approximately 2 hours & 50 minutes, including one interval.

Please note

This production contains partial nudity and a bright lighting effect during Act 3.

Presented by Opera Australia & Opera Queensland

This is a story of a love so strong it defies enemy lines. This is a story of a kingdom in triumph and a nation in chains. This is a story of betrayal.

Verdi’s monumental music makes this historic epic an enduring favourite. Davide Livermore’s radiant production is a thrilling theatrical experience.

Ten towering digital screens create ever-changing floor-to-ceiling set pieces. Immersive digital video design ranges from rich symbolism to vivid landscapes.

Opulent costumes and props reflect the splendour of Egypt at the height of its power. Together with dramatic video, the massed grandeur of the famous Triumphal March is a visual and musical feast.

Sensational Australian soprano Natalie Aroyan performs as the enslaved princess, Aida, while Elena Gabouri reprises her critically acclaimed turn as Aida’s rival, Amneris. Diego Torre is a powerful Radamès, the man they both love.

“A captivating cinematic experience that fuses live performance and video. ★★★★★”

Time Out

Cast & Creative

Conductor
Director & Choreographer
Revival Director
Assistant Director
Danielle Maas
Set Design
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Digital Content Designer
Aida
Amneris
Radamès
Amonasro
Ramfis
The King
High Priestess
Messenger

Opera Australia Chorus & Opera Queensland Chorus

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Cheat Sheet: Aida

Verdi's grand opera, written for the opening of a new opera house in Cairo, is so much more than the Triumphal March.

What happens in the story? Who was the composer? What should I expect from the music? Here’s everything you need to know…

Read the cheat sheet

Aida: Page to Stage

Ancient Egypt comes to life with a modern twist in our monumental production.

Verdi’s historic epic Aida calls for scale and opulence, and that’s exactly what costume designer Gianluca Falaschi delivers in this extraordinary staging.

See the designs

The Story

A rebellion is brewing on Egypt’s borders, and for both the oppressor and the oppressed, loves and loyalties are about to be tested.

Egypt needs a hero to lead their army, and the High Priest has chosen Radamès. Egypt’s fortunes will turn on his sword, but Radamès has a higher purpose. Through victory in battle, he hopes to win the hand of the beautiful slave girl Aida — handmaiden to the princess Amneris, and secretly, an Ethiopian princess.

Aida is torn between her love for the Egyptian hero and her despair for the country he must march against — her homeland.

And the Princess Amneris, who also desires Radamès, is beginning to have suspicions that her hero might prefer her slave…

As Radamès returns to Egypt in triumph, Aida is greeted with a terrible sight — her father Amonasro, the King of Ethiopia, is among the slaves.

Just when all seems lost, the King of Egypt deals another blow: promising the triumphant Radamès his daughter Amneris’ hand.

On the banks of the Nile, the lovers arrange to meet one last time.

But the conquered Ethiopian King has a plan to save his country. Aida has to make a devastating choice.

In the darkness, the King’s plan, Aida’s conflicted heart and Radamès’ steadfast love collide in a devastating finale.

This is a story of love so strong it defies enemy lines. This is a story of a kingdom in triumph and a nation in chains. This is a story of betrayal.

Not afraid of spoilers? Read the full synopsis.

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

Aida at Sydney Opera House 2018

Photo: Prudence Upton

“As magnificent, jaw-dropping, gasp-inducing and lavish a staging as you can imagine.”

The AU Review

Information about the content of this production

Opera is larger than life, and there are some themes and content in life, and in art, that can be challenging to engage with. We want to give you the information that you need to help decide whether a production is right for you and your family.

This production of Aida contains partial nudity.

There’s more information, but it contains spoilers.

If you’d like more information about what to expect or have specific questions about a production, email us at customerservice@opera.org.au or call 02 9685 3700. For more information about going to the opera, check out our ultimate guide.

Show me the spoilers!

It's Live! in Queensland

Strategic Government Partners

Creative Australia logo

Tourism & Events Queensland

Presenting Partners

Opera Queensland logo

Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Orchestra Partner

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Patron-in-Chief

Dr. Haruhisa Handa; The International Foundation for Arts and Culture