State Opera South Australia and space exploration company Fleet Space Technologies will join forces to present a one-off performance of Bellini's operatic masterpiece Norma.
To be staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre, this special performance brings a striking new dimension to one of opera’s most celebrated works.
Music, science and imagination collide, with bespoke animated projections inspired by space and the cosmos in a world-first artistic concept that places Bellini’s timeless story of love, betrayal and sacrifice against the vast theatre of the universe.
State Opera South Australia Artistic Director Dane Lam said the collaboration opened a new way of experiencing opera.
"State Opera already defines itself as an international opera company," Mr Lam said.
"Now we are going intergalactic. This world-first collaboration is about expanding what opera can be.
"Norma is one of the most powerful works ever written and presenting it in this format with an evocative visual world allows the immortal music and visceral emotion to land in an unprecedented way.
"It brings together South Australian creativity with world-leading technology creating something that feels ambitious, contemporary and uniquely ours."
Fleet Space Technologies Co-Founder and CEO Flavia Tata Nardini (pictured) said the partnership reflected a shared spirit of exploration and imagination.
"At Fleet, we are driven by a sense of curiosity about the universe and our place within it," Ms Nardini said.
"This collaboration is a beautiful way to connect science and art — to explore human stories through the lens of the cosmos. It’s incredibly exciting to see our world translated into a live performance that invites audiences to look up and think differently about the future."
At the heart of the production is one of the great soprano roles, with internationally acclaimed Australian soprano Helena Dix performing Norma following recent success at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
She is joined by a leading cast in this concert performance including Rosario La Spina as Pollione, Miriam Albano as Adalgisa, Teddy Tahu Rhodes (pictured) as Oroveso, Lucy Stoddart as Clotilde and Callum McGing as Flavio, alongside the State Opera Chorus and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the baton of New Zealand Opera General Director, Brad Cohen.
Set in an occupied world, Norma follows a powerful love triangle in a time of war, between a high priestess, an occupying general and a young acolyte, culminating in one of opera’s most emotionally charged finales.
Renowned for its sweeping melodies and emotional intensity, Norma represents the pinnacle of the bel canto tradition, with its famous aria Casta Diva remaining one of the most iconic moments in opera, immortalised by singers including Maria Callas and Dame Joan Sutherland.
This one-night-only performance forms part of State Opera South Australia’s Golden Jubilee 2026 Season.
Norma plays at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Friday 15 May 2026. Tickets start from $79 and under 30s are $35. Book at stateopera.com.au.
