Benjamin Rasheed

Movie - 2011, 2h 15m • as Domben

Starring the exquisite coloratura soprano Emma Matthews as the innocent girl priestess Lakmé, and superb tenor Aldo Di Toro as the love-struck Gerald, the story tackles religion and cross-cultural love against a backdrop of British rule in India in the mid-19th century. French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak brings out the full depth of the lush, dramatic score, with familiar high points being the beautiful renditions of the well-known Flower duet and Bell Song. Dominica Matthews adds her rich voice as Mallika and Stephen Bennett is darkly dominating as Brahmin priest Nilakantha, Lakmés father, while Roxane Hislop is a consumate Mistress Bentson. Set and costume designs by Mark Thompson fill the stage with rich colour, atmosphere and exoticism, complemented by Nigel Levings warm lighting. This restudied production, originally conceived by Adam Cook, is skilfully directed by Roger Hodgman.

Movie - 2013, 2h 15m • as Altoum

Puccini s last and unfinished opera tells the tale of Turandot, the cruel daughter of the Chinese emperor, who demands that her suitors correctly answer three riddles. If they fail they are beheaded. Turandot does this in memory of a female ancestor who was brutally ravished and murdered by a marauding prince. Many have failed her test, the latest being the Prince of Persia who will be executed at moonrise. Watching is Calaf, son of the King of Tartary, who on seeing Turandot is captivated by her beauty and he takes up the challenge. With Rosario La Spina cast as Calaf, Susan Foster as the icy princess and Hyeseoung Kwon as the loyal slave girl Liù, the singing throughout is superlative. The choreography and direction of Graeme Murphy is visionary, add the set and costume designs of Kristian Fredrikson, and the lighting of John Drummond Montgomery and this production is glorious in its beauty.

Movie - 2024, 2h 15m • as Pang

Chen Shi-Zheng helms Puccini's spectacular opera on Sydney Harbour, starring Dragana Radakovic and Riccardo Massi. A sleek, modern production featuring contemporary cinema, Chinese acrobatics, and breathtaking fireworks. Steering away from traditional styles, this lavish production presents a sleek, modern China, blending spectacular staging with elements of modern cinema and breathtaking Chinese acrobatics. The drama unfolds on a stunning set designed by Dan Potra, featuring a shimmering 18-metre-tall pagoda and a colossal, 60-metre fire-breathing dragon whose tail morphs into the Great Wall. Dragana Radakovic stars as the icy princess Turandot, alongside Riccardo Massi as Calaf, the mysterious prince determined to win her love or face the executioner’s blade. With a cast of over 70 performers, brilliant fireworks lighting up the night sky, and a soaring score that includes the legendary aria ‘Nessun dorma’, this is an unmissable, open-air cinematic event.