Gilgamesh Opera: A Visceral Retelling of an Ancient Epic
Funded by the University of Sydney as a member of The Conversation AU, the new opera Gilgamesh, a collaboration between Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Orchestra and Carriageworks, presents a powerful reimagining of the ancient Mesopotamian epic. This production delves into themes of love, tyranny, and the human condition, offering a visceral exploration of a story that has resonated across millennia.
The opera reinterprets the legend for 21st century audiences while staying true to its timeless essence. Jeremy Kleeman portrays Gilgamesh, a young king who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, evolving from a tyrant to a just ruler. His companion, Enkidu (a remarkable Mitchell Riley), is a wild man brought into civilization through the influence of the wise priestess Shamhat (Jessica O’Donoghue).
The opera follows their adventures, including their battles against the monstrous Humbaba (Daniel Szeisong Todd) and the Bull of Heaven, as well as their confrontation with the goddess of love and war, Ishtar (Jane Sheldon). Their reckless actions anger the gods, leading to Enkidu’s untimely death, prompting Gilgamesh’s search for immortality and renewal.
A Rediscovered Story
This production marks the first English language opera adaptation of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a literary masterpiece dating back over 4,000 years. Originally inscribed on clay tablets in cuneiform script, the story vanished from cultural consciousness for centuries until its rediscovery in the 19th century.
The opera’s use of ancient prose, particularly in Gilgamesh’s rejection of Ishtar’s proposal, creates a powerful and brutal scene. Additionally, the production introduces new dialogues and scenes, enriching the narrative with further explorations of the story’s complex themes.
Music and Myth
The opera’s score by Jack Symonds and libretto by Louis Garrick draw inspiration from the epic’s themes of love and transformation. The close bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is central to the opera, presented as a powerful and transformative form of love. The opera highlights the intimate, physical connection between the two heroes, showcasing their wrestling, embracing, and caressing each other.
A Visually Stunning Production
The production’s set design by Elizabeth Gadsby features a central Chinese elm tree adorned with 1,000 gold fabric leaves, reflecting the epic’s ecological themes. The Cedar Forest, a place of beauty and ecological significance in the original epic, is portrayed as a sacred space. Its destruction at the hands of the heroes is a prominent theme in the opera, with the violent death of Humbaba serving as a striking visual metaphor for environmental destruction.
Directed by Kip Williams, Gilgamesh offers a vibrant introduction to this ancient masterpiece, drawing in both those familiar with the story and newcomers alike. The opera is a testament to the enduring power and drama of one of the world’s oldest narratives. Its themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with audiences today, ensuring that Gilgamesh’s story will live on for generations to come.
Gilgamesh, by Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Orchestra and Carriageworks, runs at Carriageworks, Sydney, until October 5.