Five Reasons Why VO's 'Tis Pity Will Make An Opera Lover Out Of You

If you reckon opera is solely for rich, old codgers, or that it's deathly dull, out of touch or just plain elitist, then Victorian Opera's latest original production, 'Tis Pity, is ready to convince you otherwise.

Described as a "fantasia on selling the skin and the teeth," this cabaret infused, semi-staged song cycle tells the history of the world in a story of female sexual empowerment through the ages. If you're still not sold, here's five reasons why 'Tis Pity, by celebrated composer and VO artistic director Richard Mills, will make an opera lover out of you.

1: It's Got Girl Power

In the words of James Brown: "This is a man's world. But it would be nothing, without a woman or a girl." In that spirit, 'Tis Pity celebrates the power and agency of women who have defiantly railed against historical inequality, via subversion and seduction. Through the stories of femme fatales, courtesans and concubines, this show reveals the power of female sexuality when divorced from arcane, male-imposed standards of chastity or purity. If this show were to have another name, it could easily be Girl Power: The Opera.

2: Guaranteed ROFL-worthy Action

So you think opera is dull? Think again. Starring two of Australia's most charismatic and downright hysterical cabaret stars - operatic tenor and one-half of Strange Bedfellows, Kanen Breen, and outrageous chanteuse extraordinaire, Meow Meow  - 'Tis Pity is no dreary snooze-fest. Expect OTT hijinks, salacious and saucy shenanigans, and side-splitting humour to boot. (Check out the video at the bottom of this article for a sample of the hilarity that awaits you!)

3: It Packs A Political Punch

There's no doubt about it - we're living in some of the most bizarre and batshit political eras the modern world has ever known. Inevitably, those powerful forces, both foreign and domestic, are a potent muse for artists, and this has been especially true for the creative team behind 'Tis Pity. As people all over the world have taken to the streets for the Women's' Marches, in response to the legislated misogyny of the Trump Presidency, this show's principal themes, championing female empowerment, have taken on an especially resonant significance. It's become a production directly plugged into this global protest movement taking aim at the pussy-grabbing patriarchy.

4: No interest in classical music? No problem!

If going to a performance of classical music is a big ol' turn off, worry not; 'Tis Pity is not your average opera. It features an eclectic mix of musical genres, including the jazzy strains of the Weimar cabaret, sultry Polkas, glitzy show tunes and heartbreaking ballads. With a full orchestra on stage, you'll get all the sheen and finesse of a traditional production, with none of the boring bits.

5: It's the reboot Opera's been crying out for.

For many opera companies, public demand has kept a relatively small pool of evergreen favourites on the bill, year in, year out. But many of these apparently cherished staples of the repertoire feature horribly outdated and generally tragic depictions of women, who often end up dead by the final curtain. 'Tis Pity challenges that stereotype. This is a show that puts females first by telling a story that revels in the resilience and brilliance of women, the humour and humility of women, and the sheer, glorious defiance of women.

Victorian Opera presents the world premiere of 'Tis Pity, 4 — 8 Feb, Melbourne Recital Hall