Warning
This production contains graphic depictions of violence including violence against women, themes of racism, replica firearms and gunshot effects.
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera
Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC
13 to 22 May 2026
$89 - $189
A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
2 hours 50 minutes
(including interval, subject to change without notice)
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera
Directed by Leah Purcell
Libretto by Leah Purcell with George Palmer
Composed by George Palmer
They will say a story ended,
those who cannot understand,
no-one’s story ends forever,
our Dreaming is forever.
Molly Johnson is a survivor. Heavily pregnant, she’s left alone to care for her children in a remote Snowy Mountains shanty.
Between the snakes, bullocks and hostile travellers on her doorstep, she faces no shortage of threats. With her husband away droving sheep, she faces them alone.
But when Yadaka, an Aboriginal man evading colonial authorities, disrupts Molly’s hard-won sanctuary, the pair’s shared history of brutal hardships can no longer be ignored.
The Drover’s Wife is a monumental new opera based on the play, novel and film by one of Australia’s leading artists, Leah Purcell AM. With a ravishing score by George Palmer AM performed live by Queensland Symphony Orchestra, this new version reveals the symphonic soul of Purcell’s modern classic in its most expansive telling yet.
Melodies soar with raw emotion. Luscious orchestrations capture the beauty and violence of the Australian High Country. Grand opera traditions meet contemporary First Nations storytelling.
History is set to be made as this epic tale is brought to QPAC’s newest stage, the stunning Glasshouse Theatre – a glorious new performing arts space designed for bold ideas and brilliant entertainment. “Leah’s vision and voice paired with George Palmer’s evocative score promises to deliver a work that is visceral, unflinching and stirringly Australian,” Rachel Healy, QPAC Chief Executive.
Soprano Nina Korbe (West Side Story on Sydney Harbour) leads the cast as the titular Drover’s Wife alongside tenor Marcus Corowa (Bran Nue Dae, The Rabbits for Opera Australia, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical) who will play Yadaka.
Important Information
Age Recommendation
This event is recommended for 16 years and older.
Language
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera is performed in English.
Ticket Dispatch
Tickets will be supplied only 10 days prior to performance date.
Accessibility at QPAC
For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through QPAC's Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility
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Presented by QPAC in association with Opera Australia & Oombarra Productions
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera is co‑commissioned by Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Opera Australia.
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera is based on The Drover’s Wife play, originally commissioned and produced by Belvoir in association with Oombarra Productions through the Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award.
