Brisbane review - Rusalka: a richly rewarding production

By David Wilson

Rusalka

Composer Antonín Dvořák

Libretto Jaroslav Kvapil

Conductor Vladimir Fanshil

Director Sarah Giles

Set Designer Charles Davis

Costume Designer Renée Mulder

Lighting Designer Paul Jackson

Video Designer & Content Creator David Bergman

Associate Director Eugene Lynch

Movement & Intimacy Coordinator Lyndall Grant

Assistant Director Emma Nightingale

Chorus Master Narelle French

Presented by Opera Queensland in association with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

25 June – 4 July 2026

Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC

Performance length 3 hours 15 minutes across three acts with two intermissions

Performed in Czech with English surtitles

Tickets range from $79 to $199

Bookings: https://www.oq.com.au/whats-on/rusalka/

Opera Queensland's 2026 production of Rusalka is a visually captivating and musically superb staging of Antonín Dvořák's most celebrated opera. Presented in association with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, it combines remarkable theatrical imagination with exceptional vocal performances to create an evening that is both emotionally engaging and visually unforgettable.

First performed in Prague in 1901, Rusalka was composed by Antonín Dvořák to a libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil and remains the best-known Czech opera ever written. Drawing on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid together with Slavic folklore, the work is treasured for its glorious score, including the much-loved 'Song to the Moon', and is performed far less frequently in Australia than many of the standard operatic repertoire, making this production especially welcome.

Central to the production's impact is Charles Davis' simply incredible set design. Beautifully complemented by Renée Mulder's elegant costumes, Paul Jackson's atmospheric lighting and David Bergman's imaginative video effects, the visual impression is nothing short of mesmerising, transporting the audience effortlessly between the incredible underwater world, the enchanted forest and the human court.

Underpinning the production is the always excellent Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the assured direction of Vladimir Fanshil. Sarah Giles' direction embraces an extraordinary stillness that perfectly highlights the brilliance of the performances and allows the emotional power of Dvořák's score to shine. The three-act structure provides opportunities for stunning staging, ensuring the generous running time never feels as though it is dragging.

It is also fabulous to see that all of the principal cast is Australian, a wonderful reflection of the extraordinary talent and achievement within Australia's performing arts community and Opera Queensland's ongoing commitment to opera. The Opera Queensland Chorus also makes a valuable contribution. The entire cast is excellent, an essential achievement in a work where subtlety and stillness are so central to the storytelling.

Eleanor Lyons is simply outstanding in the title role, bringing warmth, vulnerability and vocal brilliance to Rusalka. Rosario La Spina is wonderful as the Prince, Warwick Fyfe's portrayal of the Water King is compelling and full of gravitas, Eva Kong delivers particularly wonderful characterisation as the Duchess, and Ashlyn Tymms is an audience favourite as Jezibaba. Collectively, the performances are beautifully judged, wonderfully connected and deeply affecting.

What makes this production particularly satisfying is its unity of vision. The remarkable design, thoughtful direction, exceptional performances and magnificent orchestral playing combine seamlessly together in the magnificent Glasshouse Theatre to tell this timeless story with both intimacy and spectacle.

Opera Queensland's Rusalka is a richly rewarding production that showcases the very best of Australian operatic talent and I thoroughly encourage you to see it.