In its 40th year, State Opera SA has breathed new life into Tim Winton’s beloved classic novel, ‘Cloudstreet’.
In this wholly Australian tale, two working class families, the Lambs and the Pickles, are thrown together by lady luck in a ramshackle old house at #1 Cloud Street in Perth. Each family has been through the wringer – there are personal tragedies and hidden secrets, but ultimately, reconciliation.
At first thought, it may seem this vernacular in opera might be jarring. How wrong you are. The phrase ‘cheeky blighter’ has never sounded so beautiful.
Through a five-year collaboration, Director Gale Edwards and Composer George Palmer have distilled Winton’s multi-layered story into three hours of sweetly melodic and mysterious music. In its compressed form, this is rapid-fire storytelling – ideal for contemporary audiences. Although easy to follow, there’s not much breathing space.
‘Cloudstreet’ is a complex story, with this adaptation squeezing more than 60 scene changes and 20 years into 2 acts. This requires a deft touch by the stage, lighting and video design team. An abstract timber set morphs from riverbank to suburban house to outback thanks to moody lighting and projection.
Video projections introduce the supernatural world that runs as undercurrent to the story. Particularly haunting is the footage of the ‘spirit girls’, members of the Stolen Generation trapped inside the house where they were trained as maids and horribly abused.
Costuming and props are integral to translating the abstract setting into mid-1900’s Australian suburbia. The divide between the pious, hard-working Lambs and the irresponsible Pickles is immediately evident in the carefully constructed costumes. Changes in era and economic circumstance are subtly communicated.
Family and connection are the beating heart of Cloudstreet. This opera speaks to the rich and textured relationships that are borne of love, relation and co-habitation. It isn’t always easy, but in the words of Orelia Lamb, “family grows on you”.
The strong ensemble cast is drawn from both the State Opera SA stable and across Australia. Standouts include Pelham Andrews’ winning portrayal of Lester Lamb, whose charisma beams off the stage. Joanna McWaters shines as the deeply flawed and lonely Dolly Pickles, a character both reprehensible and heartbreaking.
It was almost a tease casting rising star Nicholas Jones as the loveable Fish Lamb. His portrayal of the central character, a boy who acquires a brain injury when he nearly drowns, is reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’. In full flight during dream-like sequences, his soaring voice brought the audience to tears and left them wanting more.
Creating a new operatic work is a bold move from State Opera SA. It demonstrates a belief our stories are worth telling, and it's a risk that has truly paid off. The fact opera can be so successfully applied to such a true blue Aussie tale bodes well for the medium's ability to keep evolving and connecting with new audiences.
Hearing opera sung in your own tongue and describing your own cultural identity is a rare treat. In the case of 'Cloudstreet', it's one worth savouring.
★★★★☆
'Cloudstreet!' performs Her Majesty's Theatre until 21 May.
