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5 – 9 September 2018

“A breathtaking American chamber opera that twists the heart – unforgettable, moving and thought-provoking. Dimity and Desiree are brilliant – utterly heartbreaking in these roles – as ordinary women we all recognise. This opera dares to shine a harsh spotlight onto an issue that we occasionally speak of, but rarely confront: the complicated, painful, unmapped collateral damage of domestic violence.” – Linda Thompson, Artistic Director

​Told in five scenes, by two extraordinary performers: Melbourne’s Dimity Shepherd and Adelaide’s Desiree Frahn, Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s intimate one-act opera deals with the ravages of spousal abuse – the fall-out after Anne (Dimity) rescues Stephanie (Desiree) from her violent marriage. Stephanie has written down her story as part of her rehab and sent a copy to Anne. Anne struggles to deal with the fact that it was her own son Peter who almost beat Stephanie to death.

“You can leave your husband, but how... how... do I leave my son?” - Anne, To Hell and Back (Heggie/Scheer)

Music by
JAKE HEGGIE
Libretto by
GENE SCHEER
Stage Direction
GREG CARROLL
Music Director
BRIAN CASTLES-ONION
Designer
PETER CORRIGAN
Performed by
DESIREE FRAHN, DIMITY SHEPHERD
Artistic Director
LINDA THOMPSON

Theatre Works & Gertrude Opera present

To Hell and Back

A Theatre Works Fringe Event

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