State Opera South Australia Brings Beloved Fairy Tale ‘Hansel & Gretel’ To Adelaide

The world premiere of Hansel & Gretel takes place at Her Majesty’s Theatre this August.

South Australia’s art and culture scene continues to thrive with State Opera South Australia announcing the classic fairy tale Hansel & Gretel is coming to the stage this August.

The world premiere production of Humperdinck’s lush and expansive score takes over Her Majesty’s Theatre for four performances from Friday 21 August to Saturday 29 August.

An adaptation of the haunting story by the Brothers Grimm, this production of Hansel & Gretel combines cinematic storytelling with stunning visual design and lighting, giving the fairy tale a contemporary edge.

Conducted by State Opera South Australia Artistic Director and Conductor Dane Lam, the SA production unites acclaimed Australian collaborators, Director Constantine Costi and Designer Jonathon Oxlade, for a deeply relatable and evocative interpretation of the classic tale.

“From its eminently hummable tunes to its infectious rhythms and harmonies, Hansel & Gretel is opera for the entire family,” said Lam. “Everyone knows the Hansel & Gretel story, but stay tuned for this new production that will have audiences marvelling at this familiar story made new.”

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Hansel & Gretel features an all-star cast headlined by internationally acclaimed Korean American countertenor Kangmin Justin Kim, making his Australian debut as Hansel, and fellow American soprano Sofia Troncoso as Gretel.

The production also stars Australian mezzo-soprano Catherine Carby in the dual roles of the Witch and Mother, Adelaide favourite baritone Morgan Pearse as Peter and emerging South Australian soprano Lucy Stoddart in the dual roles of Dew Fairy and the Sandman.

Speaking about the cast, Lam had this to say, “Justin is one of the world’s most in-demand performers. Securing his Australian debut for Hansel & Gretel is a major coup for State Opera and South Australia. We can’t wait for audiences to experience Justin and our entire world-leading cast in this show.”

The announcement of Hansel & Gretel’s Adelaide premiere is the latest co-production between State Opera and Opera Hong Kong. After premiering in Adelaide, the production will tour Hong Kong in 2027

“Hansel & Gretel’s world premiere in South Australia, before touring to Hong Kong, demonstrates that major new opera can be created in South Australia and shared with audiences around the world,” said State Opera Executive Director, Mark Taylor. “This reinforces State Opera’s reputation for creating ambitious new work for the international stage.”

Catch Hansel & Gretel at Her Majesty’s Theatre from Friday 21 August to Saturday 29 August. Tickets on sale now via stateopera.com.au.