smh.com.au
Opera Australia to Remount "Phantom" After \$10 Million Loss
Opera Australia will restage its financially successful 2022 production of "Phantom of the Opera" in its 2025 Opera on the Harbour season to offset a \$10 million deficit incurred this year following the poor performance of its 2024 production of "Sunset Boulevard".
- What is Opera Australia's response to its \$10 million deficit, and what are the immediate implications?
- Opera Australia will restage its successful 2022 production of "Phantom of the Opera" for its 2025 Opera on the Harbour season, aiming to recoup losses from a \$10 million deficit this year. This decision follows disappointing returns for their 2024 production of "Sunset Boulevard".
- What are the potential long-term effects of Opera Australia's financial strategy on its artistic vision and audience engagement?
- Opera Australia's decision signals a shift towards a more financially conservative approach to programming. The emphasis on proven successes suggests a reduced appetite for riskier ventures, potentially impacting the diversity of future productions. The success of this strategy will significantly influence the company's future financial stability and artistic direction.
- How does Opera Australia's decision to restage "Phantom of the Opera" reflect its approach to risk management and future programming?
- The choice to remount "Phantom of the Opera" is a strategic response to Opera Australia's financial difficulties. The 2022 production's success, with 61,580 tickets sold despite inclement weather, offers a financially secure option compared to riskier productions like "Sunset Boulevard". This move aligns with the company's stated commitment to prioritizing financially viable productions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the return of Phantom of the Opera as a crucial step towards Opera Australia's financial recovery. The emphasis on box office success and the positive review from the Herald are strategically placed early in the article, shaping the reader's perception of the decision before fully detailing the company's financial challenges. The inclusion of previous successful Opera on the Harbour seasons also reinforces this framing. This might overshadow potential artistic considerations or risks associated with the decision.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive in describing the Phantom of the Opera production, using terms like "surefire winner," "glorious," and "thrilling force." Conversely, the financial difficulties are described with terms like "disastrous" and "disappointing returns." This creates a contrast that might subconsciously influence the reader's perception of the risks and benefits associated with the decision to restage the musical.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the financial success and recovery of Opera Australia, potentially omitting other aspects of the company's performance or artistic goals. While the $10 million deficit is mentioned, a more complete picture of the company's overall financial health and artistic endeavors would provide more context. The impact of the decision to focus on musicals might be further explored, including any implications for the future of opera productions within the company.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the choice between musicals and opera as a simple eitheor decision. While the financial difficulties are highlighted as a reason to favor musicals, the possibility of balancing both genres to ensure the company's artistic vision remains intact isn't thoroughly explored. This creates an impression that Opera Australia must choose between profit and artistic integrity.
Gender Bias
The article mentions both male and female lead actors, describing the female lead, Georgina Hopson, with the word "shines", while the male lead is described with terms like "lusty fury and sinewy heartbreak." While not overtly biased, this subtle difference in language might reflect ingrained gendered expectations within the description of performance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The return of the Phantom of the Opera production is expected to significantly boost Opera Australia's finances, helping the company recover from a $10 million deficit. This positive financial outcome directly contributes to the sustainability of jobs within the arts sector and the wider economy. The production also stimulates economic activity through ticket sales, tourism, and related services.