Opera Australia puts out call for dogs

Opera Australia is giving local dog owners the chance to see their beloved pets star in an upcoming production. Director Andy Morton has put out a call for dogs to appear in La Bohème, which opens on 23 March at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

Morton has set the opera in 1960s Paris, so French dogs such as poodles and French bulldogs are preferable. The animals also need to be well trained in order to cope with bright lights and a large crowd.

Each of the operas 26 performances will feature a different dog and successful applicants receive two tickets to the show. Two minders need to accompany their dog, caring for them before and after their stage appearance.

To register, owners must submit a photo and available dates through Opera Australia’s website.

La Bohème features set and costume design from Dan Potra, video design by Marco Devetak and choreography from Kate Champion. It stars Iulia Maria Dan and Maija Kovalevska as Mimì, Ho-Yoon Chung and Paul O’Neill as Rodolfo, and Julia Lea Good win as Musetta.

opera.org.au