Operalab presents socially relevant music theatre and opera that speaks to contemporary audiences. It seeks to extend the parameters of the operatic experience and widen the demographic and reach of this audience. The company commissions new works and presents Australian premieres of new commissions and seeks and develops international collaborations and performances.
Through workshops the company develops new works that reflect Australia’s history and contemporary society. Operalab develops strategic supporting networks from local, national governments, philanthropic trusts and private enterprise. To date these have included: Australia Council, Melbourne City Council, the Pratt Foundation, Arts Victoria, Helen McPherson Trust, Goethe Institut, Alan and Elizabeth Finkel Foundation, Australian Business Arts Foundation, Victorian Multicultural Commission, Australian Multicultural Foundation. Australian Israeli Chamber of Commerce.
Ward B is a new Australian work written by Xenia Hanusiak, Artistic Director of Operalab. The work began its life when Xenia was awarded a Creative Fellowship from State Library of Victoria in 2006 . It is now supported by a Literature Board Grant from the Australia Council. Eminent Australian Dramaturg May- Brit Ackerholt and an ensemble of performers will come to Bundanon to develop the script and the multi-media aspects of the work. Ward B based on the true story of a Chinese miner who was charged with manslaughter, but found not guilty on the basis of insanity and spent the remaining 33 years of his life in Ward B at Yarra Bend asylum. The triptych focussing on three different accounts of the same story will utilise mirror imaging and live video techniques to support themes of truth and half truths, identity, displaced worlds and language barriers.