Faust

Faust, disillusioned with a life of study, laments the life and love that has passed him by. In vain, he tries to end it, but in frustration, strikes an infernal deal whereby he buys the services of Mephistopheles while on earth in exchange for his soul, which will belong to the Devil after death. Mephistopheles shows Faust a vision of the beautiful and chaste Marguerite. Through trickery and deception, Faust wins the heart of Marguerite, diverting her from young and honest suitors with gifts and jewels procured as part of his demonic contract. Having won her, she becomes pregnant to him and he abandons her, sending her on a spiral to oblivion. Meanwhile, Mephistopheles promises Faust the love of the most beautiful women in history, but it is Marguerite’s face that Faust sees. They are reunited briefly but Marguerite places her fate in the hands of God, whereupon she dies and is drawn up to heaven. Faust repents and Mephistopheles realises he’s been cheated of his prize – Faust’s soul.

James Egglestone sings the title role, with Teddy Tahu Rhodes brilliantly portraying the role of Mephistopheles. France-based Adelaide-born soprano Kate Ladner returns to round out a perfect operatic triumvirate, with a stellar supporting cast, the State Opera Chorus, a ballet troupe and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kynan Johns.

CONDUCTOR Kynan Johns
ORIGINAL DIRECTOR Sir David McVicar
REVIVAL DIRECTOR Bruno Ravella
SET DESIGNER Charles Edwards
COSTUME DESIGNER Brigitte Reiffenstuel
LIGHTING DESIGNER Paule Constable

FAUST James Egglestone
MEPHISTOPHELES Teddy Tahu Rhodes (sponsored by Peter & Pamela McKee)
MARGUERITE Kate Ladner
WAGNER Joshua Rowe
VALENTIN Michael Honeyman
SIEBEL Cherie Boogaart
MARTHA Desiree Frahn

STATE OPERA CHORUS
ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sung in French with English surtitles (sponsored by James & Diana Ramsay Foundation)

An Opera Conference Production from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden