

Twist
Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan
Arts Centre Melbourne21–28 November 2026
Twist
Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan
Arts Centre Melbourne21–28 November 2026
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Location: Melbourne
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See All Events2026
November
21 Nov 2026
22 Nov 2026
25 Nov 2026
26 Nov 2026
27 Nov 2026
28 Nov 2026
Venue
Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Language
Performed in English.
Running time
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Please note
This production contains strong sexual references, homophobic violence and explicit language.
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Co-commissioned by Feast Festival, Adelaide Festival and State Opera South Australia, supported by Arts South Australia and by the Adelaide Festival’s Commissioning Circle, Sidney Myer Fund and Nunn Dimos Foundation.
The moment and the movement that changed Australia.
As his body hit the water, few heard the impact. But the ripple effect of the murderous act defied natural law and swelled to seismic scale.
It’s half a century since the infamous drowning of Dr George Ian Ogilvie Duncan; a moment in time that triggered an alleged police cover-up, a city-wide scandal, national outrage, a Scotland Yard investigation… and a glaring absence of convictions.
Most importantly, Dr Duncan’s death led South Australia to decriminalise homosexuality, ahead of the rest of the country.
Watershed, a ravishing new operatic work and the hit of the 2022 Adelaide Festival, is a collaboration between some of Australia’s most acclaimed creative talents.
Helpmann Award-winning playwright Alana Valentine and author Christos Tsiolkas (The Slap) have created a searing, no-punches-pulled libretto. Brisbane composer Joe Twist’s score is luscious and ultimately transcendent. And Australian theatre and opera legend Neil Armfield’s production is as deeply felt as it is thrillingly physical.
Written as an oratorio, Watershed turns the illicit into the sacred, through powerful choral music, solo voices and dance.
See for yourself why Watershed was met with five-star reviews, a sold-out premiere season, and rapturous, teary standing ovations at every performance.
“If I could, I would give it six stars. ★★★★★”
Limelight
Cast & Creative
Conductor
Composer & Orchestrator
Libretto
Director
Set & Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Choreographer
Historical Consultant
Sound Designer
Video Designer
Revival Director
Dramaturg
Duncan/Dunstan
Mick O'Shea/Cop/ Lawyer
Orchestra
Opera Australia Chorus

The fascinating history behind Watershed
The tragic death of Dr Duncan triggered a movement, leading to monumental law reform for the gay community.
Co-commissioned by Feast Festival, Adelaide Festival and State Opera South Australia, supported by Arts South Australia and by the Adelaide Festival’s Commissioning Circle, Sidney Myer Fund and Nunn Dimos Foundation.