Lyric Opera of Melbourne to Give PYGMALION New Life with Unconventional Casting

Lyric Opera gets its year underway with a one-act opera-ballet titled PYGMALION - with a surprising lead performer.

PYGMALION - the story that inspired My Fair Lady - tells the tale of a sculptor cursed by the gods to fall in love with his creation when 'love' brings the sculpture to life.

The traditionally female role will be played by Josh Tomlinson, a striking six-foot-four, 21-year-old redhead who grew up in the Gippsland town of Fernbank, with a population 650.

"Growing up in the country, I was the weird kid at school who loved opera," said Josh.

Don't be fooled by his burly looks and deep speaking tone; Josh is performing as a counter-tenor with the unique voice of a mezzosoprano. He plays PYGMALION's creation - an androgynous statue with a David Bowie-inspired look.

While it is common for women to play male roles (or pants roles) in the operatic world, the opposite rarely happens for men.

"I can't wait - I've never done something like this before, there aren't many counter-tenor roles out there in Melbourne, let alone Australia. In PYGMALION, I'm playing a role usually played by a woman, so I'm going into it with an open mind. I'm excited to see how Lyric Opera will push the creative boundaries," he said.

PYGMALION is Lyric Opera's first opera-ballet, a combined art form seldom seen in the Australian performing arts landscape; the singers will dance, and the dancers will sing.

Director James Cutler said he hoped to present a playful yet confronting new take on the well-known tale popularised by George Bernard Shaw, composed by Frenchman Jean-Philippe Rameau in 1748.

"PYGMALION will be an exciting fusing of different worlds, a cheekier yet darker interpretation of the oft-seen adaptation of the Greek mythology of an artist falling in love with their art, giving it a fresh injection of energy," said Cutler, who cut his teeth in musical theatre and is now making his operatic debut.

"This production will challenge Melbourne audiences, holding up a mirror to explore current key issues of idolisation, body image, self-worth and societal perceptions of perfection," said Cutler.

"PYGMALION was an audacious opera that shocked audiences with its flamboyant production and irreverent flare back in its time, and in this 2016 production, Lyric Opera wants to recreate that same reaction for the 21st century Melbourne audience," he said.

Joining James, Lyric brings PYGMALION to the stage with an exceptional creative team; choreography by Georgia Taylor, design by Rob Sowinski and music direction by Pat Miller.

Along with Josh, the exciting young cast of singers and dancers includes Patrick MacDeviit, Kimberley Coleman and Sabrina Surace, all singing in French with English surtitles.

The production will also feature an orchestra of reproduced period instruments that the original musicians would have used in the 1700s. They will recreate the original vibrant sounds of the French Baroque, whilst keeping its contemporary looks.

With the shows being under an hour, PYGMALION is the perfect entrée or nightcap to your evening out - appealing to first time or long term opera goers alike.

PYGMALION will be performed April 5, 7 and 9, with early and late shows each night at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran.

More information can be found at lyricopera.com.au.

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