Disillusioned with life, an ageing scholar makes a deal with the devil. He gains youth, beauty, love and riches and the services of Méphistophélès himself on this earth.

For these, he trades his freedom in the afterlife, but what will he regret on earth?

Not afraid of spoilers? Read the full synopsis.

Act I

Weary of life and the vain pursuit of knowledge, the aged Faust decides on suicide. He is stopped in his tracks by the light of dawn and voices singing God’s praises. Faust bitterly renounces God and calls on Satan. Méphistophélès duly appears. He will satisfy Faust’s hedonistic demands in return for the philosopher’s soul. Hesitating at the last moment before signing the diabolic contract, Faust is finally swayed by a vision conjured up by Méphistophélès of the beautiful and innocent Marguerite: Faust must have her.

Act II

The town is celebrating. In their midst, Valentin is preoccupied with thoughts of leaving to fight in the war. He asks his friends to look after his sister Marguerite while he is away; among them is Siébel, who is in love with her. They are interrupted by Méphistophélès, who sings a blasphemous song and makes innuendos about Marguerite. This is too much for Valentin who is roused to defend his sister and attack Méphistophélès, but his sword breaks mid-air and everyone hastily withdraws. Méphistophélès is joined by Faust; when Marguerite appears she rejects Faust’s attentions.

Act III

Siébel leaves a bouquet of flowers for Marguerite. Next, Faust extols the virtues of Marguerite’s home while Méphistophélès also finds something to leave her: a box full of jewels. Marguerite appears, lost in thought, but is overcome with excitement as she discovers the jewel box and tries on its contents. Marthe Schwertlein, Marguerite’s neighbour, thinks that the jewels must be from an admirer. When both women are joined by Méphistophélès and Faust, the former distracts Marthe so that Faust can seduce Marguerite.

Act IV

Five months have passed. Marguerite has been deserted by Faust, but is carrying his child. In church, her prayers are repeatedly interrupted by demons. She faints as Méphistophélès’ final curse denies her the hope of salvation.

Soldiers return from the war, Valentin among them. He asks Siébel to tell him how his sister is, but Siébel’s evasions prompt him angrily to rush into Marguerite’s house to find out for himself. Méphistophélès and Faust arrive, and the Devil satirically serenades Marguerite. Valentin emerges from the house demanding to know who is responsible for his sister’s shame. In the ensuing duel, Faust mortally wounds Valentin, who with his final words denies Marguerite any Christian compassion and damns her for eternity.

Act V

It is Walpurgis Night and a diabolic ballet ensues. Faust is subjected to visions, the last of which is of Marguerite in prison for the murder of their child and awaiting execution. Faust wants to go to her, and Méphistophélès obliges. Together in the cell, Faust and Marguerite remember their shared moments of love and Faust urges her to flee with him, but she resists, calling for divine protection. Marguerite’s supplication is answered: her soul ascends to heaven.

Synopsis reproduced by permission of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Dinner at Overture Dining in the Northern Foyer of the Joan Sutherland Theatre

Allow us to make your dinner reservation for you: 90 minutes before your performance begins at Overture Dining in the Northern Foyer of the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

You'll be served a themed three-course menu for just $72, including a glass of Viticoltori Ponte Prosecco on arrival. Simply add dinner to your cart after selecting your tickets.

Sample menu

On arrival

A glass of NV Viticoltori Ponte Prosecco

Warm bread roll, pepe saya butter (gluten free available)

Entrée

Salmon ceviche with raw daikon, pickled kohlrabi, shiso and rice crackers ^{GF, DF}

or

Calabrese salad, heirloom tomato, almond ricotta, confit shallot vinaigrette, olives and basil ^{DF, GF, VG}

Main Course

Roasted chicken supreme, butternut pumpkin, roasted pepita crumble and burnt butter ^GF

or

Spiced cauliflower, crushed roasted eggplant and tomato, cumin and green grape, chilli chutney ^{V, GF}

Sides

Young leaves and watercress with lemon vinaigrette ^{GF, DF, V}

Dessert

Dulce de leche centred chocolate fondant with spiced whipped cream ^V

 

 

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. 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 9318 8200. For more information about going to the opera, check out our ultimate guide.

This production of Faust contains depictions of sexual violence that may cause distress.

There's more information, but it contains spoilers.