Surreal, poignant and equestrian.
A cabaret version of Wagner’s grand opera that is part vaudeville, part circus and part diva.
View it now:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/steve-sheehan-s-tristan-and-isolde-fringeview
Performed by Steve Sheehan, Norma Knight and Arapahoe the miniature horse . Directed by Steve Sheehan with Jo Stone . Designed by Kerry Reid . Lighting designed by Nic Mollison . Sound designed by Stuart Day . Horse trained by Jaci and Joey McEvoy . Production Managed by David McLean . Produced by Belinda Hellyer
In a backstage dressing room two faltering artistes tell us their love story. As she puts on her make up and costume Isolde sings of her longing from a variety of operas. In between, Tristan tells jokes while accompanying himself on piano. And a unique version of Wagner’s famous love story emerges.
The cabaret begins and ends with King Mark and a miniature white horse following him about – annoying, wild and unopposed. At the beginning, he optimistically shares his translation of one of Isolde’s songs – Liebestod – at the end he watches on the dressing room monitor his elusive betrothed make her stage entrance.
REVIEWS FROM WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHOWINGS
“Hilarious… tinged with an eccentric melancholy…(four stars) – Herald Sun read more...
“unsettle(s) our relationship with what is funny, to reframe the avant-garde as farce without sacrificing its essential alienness” – Real Time Arts read more..
“Something about this show grips you, setting you into a trance-like condition of quiet glee and bafflement” Adelaide Theatre Guide read more…
Adult themes, suitable for some children. Duration 55 minutes.
photo credits: Sam Oster publicity shots
John Trentino – Performance shots
steve sheehan 