Step into the extravagant world of 18th-century opera this August as independent theatre company Subverse Theatre premieres The Sacrifice of Farinelli, a new Australian production exploring one of music history’s most remarkable figures.
Running for three weeks at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, the original work is written and directed by Stuart Bruce and draws inspiration from the life of legendary castrato Carlo Broschi, better known as Farinelli, and his composer brother Riccardo Broschi.
Developed through the Maribyrnong City Council Artist in Residence program, the production combines baroque music, immersive theatre, live violin, singing, physical theatre and contemporary sound technology to tell a story about ambition, identity and the cost of artistic perfection.
Set in baroque Italy, the work examines the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness while drawing striking parallels with today’s obsession with celebrity, image and performance.
“The initial idea for this work came to me some ten years ago, when I stumbled upon the fascinating historical phenomenon of the castrati—a trinity of man, woman and child in one body to achieve an ideal of music at the time,” explains Writer/Director Stuart Bruce.
“I saw a fascinating symbol for the price of art and the culture intervening in nature to create something transcendent and beautiful, yet ultimately destructive,” he said.
“Told through the lens of Riccardo Broschi, The Sacrifice of Farinelli is woven into a fabric of classical music whilst utilising immersive theatre technology, like an ultrasonic speaker, to truly bring audiences into the world. I believe the greatest artistic experiences are when we are pulled along into something beyond us, and the audience and performers become one. We’re working to create that world with this new production.”
Featuring music by Vivaldi, Bach and Handel alongside modern electronic influences, The Sacrifice of Farinelli promises to be one of Melbourne’s most distinctive theatre experiences this winter.
The Sacrifice of Farinelli runs from 13 – 29 August 2026 at Bluestone Church Arts Space: 8A Hyde St, Footscray. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.subversetheatre.com.au.
