Acis and Galatea

Date: Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October 2020

Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm (including intermission). Gates open 6:30pm

Where: Conifer Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden, North Terrace, Adelaide (view map below).

Cost: $60 general admission | $30 concession/pension | $20 rush

Book tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BLCWZ

Kim Worley—Acis
Victoria Coxhill—Galatea
Alex Roose—Polyphemus
Katrina Mackenzie—Spirit 1
James Nicholson—Spirit 2

Presented by Co-Opera and the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium as part of the Botanica Lumina program, with support from SA Power Networks and Creative Partnerships Australia’s Plus1 program.

Directed by Nicholas Cannon with emerging director Monique Hapgood, and musical direction by Joshua van Konkelenberg with concertmaster Ben Dollman.

Acis and Galatea is G. F. Händel’s beloved Greek myth in which two lovers are forever split when Polyphemus kills Acis in a brutal, jealous rage. In mourning, Galatea transforms Acis into an ever-flowing river.

The opera—full of wit, pathos and exquisite music—is a warning about the transitory nature of love and pleasure.

Co-Opera has a long tradition of sharing opera in fun, accessible performances. We have taken our productions to pubs, parks, and even shearing sheds across the country and overseas. Now we are bringing opera to Adelaide Botanic Garden!

Enjoy the natural surroundings with a backdrop of majestic trees, as the stage and gardens are gradually transformed from sunset into a waterfall as the opera builds to its climax.

Immerse yourself in Händel’s exquisite music sung by some of Adelaide’s finest young singers, accompanied by the premier baroque orchestra, Ensemble Galante, in this thrilling new production.

Doors open at 6:30pm so make a night of it with a picnic (or pre-purchase a gourmet box of delectable goodies from the Gardens Café and Kiosk), enjoy a drink or two under the evening sky, and relax on the lawns before the performance begins.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to see an evening performance in your favourite garden!

COVID-safe planning

This event is held on Conifer Lawn in Adelaide Botanic Garden, which is a large outdoor space with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the experience whilst seated.

COVID-19 safe measures will be in place, including the ability for groups to comfortably social distance (1.5m).

Please remember to practise good hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and utilise the hand sanitiser available on the night.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please refrain from attending the event and contact us to discuss options.

Weather

Please note this event is outdoors, on grass, during springtime. Please consider the weather forecast and dress warmly if needed, wear appropriate footwear, and consider any allergies. The event may go ahead if mildly wet, however in the case of persistent rain, very bad or severe weather, the event may be relocated to an indoor location. Ticket holders will be notified. Please keep your eye out on our Facebook page for updates.

Food and beverages

Make a night of it by pre-ordering a Gardens Café and Kiosk picnic box – see the range available here. Please pre-order your picnic box with your ticket purchase.

Alternatively, you can pre-order your picnic box here any time before Monday 5 October, or by phoning 08 8223 4412.

Please note that picnic boxes will not be available to purchase on the night of the event.

A garden bar is available on the night for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, and sweet and savoury snacks will also be available to purchase on the night.

You could also consider complementing your evening with dinner at the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, or choose from many other dining options in Adelaide’s East End.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic but please note there is no BYO alcohol.

Please use the bins provided or take all rubbish home with you.

Guests are permitted to bring low chairs and blankets.

Seating

The audience is seated on the grass and chairs are not provided for this performance. Please bring your own picnic blankets or low chairs.

Access

Entry and exit to the event is via the Main Gate on North Terrace only.

Enjoy easy access to the event via the Tram (with a stop near the gates) or parking on Rundle Road just a short walk away from the entrance.

The event has wheelchair access, however patrons are advised that the event is on a combination of sealed paths, grass and undulated surfaces.

Download Adelaide Botanic Garden map.

Wildlife

Adelaide Botanic Garden is home to a huge variety of bird and animal life that are attracted to the Gardens’ flora. Keep your eyes out for the grey headed flying fox colony as it takes flight over the Garden at dusk – it’s a captivating sight.

However, please do not feed the wildlife. Find out more about animal welfare here.