THEATRE THURSDAY: 'The Sacrifice of Farinelli' community night

FAQs

• How long is the performance?

  Approximately 1 hour and 50 mins plus one 20 minute interval.

• What age is the show suitable for?

  This THEATRE THURSDAY secret show is recommend for ages 15+.

• Are there content warnings?

  • Mature themes - grief, loss, child harm.

  • Optional audience participation

  • Minor horror influences (masked figures).

  • Theatrical representation of child harm.

  • Ultrasonic speaker technology

  • Intense strobe lighting

  • Amplified music (mainly classical)

  • Haze and theatrical smoke

  • Low lighting

  • Sexual references and mild intimacy

• What was that speaker tech that was used a couple of times?

  That is an ultrasonic speaker playing extremely fast sound waves which create radically theatrical, localised experiences, as if the sound is moving around the space or when it's pointed at you, it's coming from inside your head.

• Who are the masked figures and what do they represent?

  They are for you to interpret.

• Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

  The main entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible entry is available via the rear entrance. If you require accessible access, please let us know when booking using the checkout accessibility question or contact us at boxoffice@subversetheatre.net before your visit so we can assist. Humanitix allows hosts to collect accessibility requirements during checkout.

• Can I exchange or refund my ticket?

  No refunds but we can move your ticket to another date.

• Can I arrive late?

  Latecomers may only be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. Entry cannot always be guaranteed immediately.

• Is there allocated seating?

  No, Choose any available seat.

• Can I take photos or record the performance?

  No. Photography, video and audio recording are only permitted before and during the bows or after the show.

• Transport and Parking

  There is parking next to the Bluestone Church and extending beside Footscray Town Hall. The venue is also a 7 minute walk from Footscray Station.

• Is this based on a true story?

  (SPOILER ALERT) Only loosely. The show is inspired by the extraordinary lives of real-life brothers Riccardo and Carlo Broschi (Farinelli), but is taking dramatic license adding fictionalised interpretations to heighten metaphorical weight. The piece mirrors some of the history as Carlo really did retire at the height of his career and never sung in public again and Maestro Porpora did end up in poverty in his last years. The castrati were generally not permitted to marry given that marriage was viewed by the church as a sacred institution to yield children (and a castrato is infertile). Maestro Porpora really did champion breathing techniques, with the still popular 'Farinelli exercise'. Altered hormones from castration also did wreak havoc on the health of the castrati as well as their bones growing more than normal, however the majority of their prowess with singing is considered to be from the rigorous breathing training they were forced to undergo.

• Do I need to know opera to enjoy it?

  Not at all. The story is designed for anyone who enjoys compelling drama, mythologies, immersive theatre effects and tech, comedy, music and/or theatre inspired by history. If you have never been to the opera, this is the perfect access piece because you will see "inside", through the eyes of the 18th Century composer, Riccardo Broschi.

• Can I buy tickets at the door?

  Subject to availability. Booking online in advance is recommended as final tickets can sell out fast.

• Will there be food or drinks?

  Snacks and drinks are served at the bar.