The Barbarians

The conceptual and production design for contemporary opera The Barbarians at MONA FOMA festival saw Hobart’s City Hall transformed. The central theme of the opera is ‘otherness’ and echoes ancient Greek theatre traditions. Different parts of the space signify different worlds and a collapsible wall defines the edge of the catwalk-esque 30-metre stage. The audience is divided and positioned on either side of the focal area, heightening intimacy and connection.