Devilish Theatrics to Captivate in State Opera SA's FAUST, Aug 22-29

This August, arts lovers will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the dance, theatre and musical spectacular Faust, featuring the devilishly charming super star Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

State Opera of South Australia (SOSA) will present Charles Gounod's Faust in an extravagant, must-see production at the Adelaide Festival Theatre from August 22-29 as part of a national tour.

Weary of life and the pursuit of knowledge, the aged Faust contemplates suicide. Mephistopheles promises to satisfy all of his hedonistic demands in exchange for his soul and, accepting the infernal deal, Faust is led into temptation and a salacious journey through life's earthly pleasures.

SOSA Artistic Director & CEO Timothy Sexton said this Adelaide season of Faust, based on the famous Royal Opera House Convent Garden production, heralded the return of truly grand opera to the Adelaide stage.

"Audiences are set for an aural and visual feast with Faust's music among the most beautiful that Gounod ever wrote, including the Jewel aria and the rousing Soldiers Chorus. Featuring towering sets, a stellar cast, a full ballet troupe, the State Opera Chorus and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, this is a production that should not be missed," Mr Sexton said.

Tenor James Egglestone sings the title role, with Rhodes making his highly anticipated return to the Adelaide stage as Mephistopheles. France-based, Adelaide-born Soprano Kate Ladner returns as Faust's ill-fated lover Marguerite, to round out a perfect operatic triumvirate.

Rhodes said: "It's an absolute pleasure to be invited to perform in Faust with State Opera SA and the wonderful Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. I love coming to Adelaide with its diverse cultural scene and being the sister city to my birthplace, Christchurch, I have always genuinely had a soft spot for the city."

In an additional highlight, the company is also presenting Verdi's thrilling and dramatic masterpiece Requiem at the Adelaide Festival Centre on August 26 and 28.

To book tickets, visit www.bass.net.au or call 131 246. For more information, visit www.saopera.sa.gov.au.

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