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2026

November

Sat
21 Nov 2026

Sun
22 Nov 2026

Wed
25 Nov 2026

Thu
26 Nov 2026

Fri
27 Nov 2026

Sat
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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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
Joseph Twist
Libretto
Christos Tsiolkas
Director
Set & Costume Designer
Ailsa Paterson
Lighting Designer
Choreographer
Lewis Major
Historical Consultant
Sound Designer
Jane Rossetto
Video Designer
Sean Bacon
Revival Director
Cheryl Pickering
Dramaturg
Duncan/Dunstan
Mick O'Shea/Cop/ Lawyer
Orchestra

Opera Australia Chorus

Watershed

The fascinating history behind Watershed

The tragic death of Dr Duncan triggered a movement, leading to monumental law reform for the gay community.

Find out more