John Daly-Peoples
The Monster in the Maze
Composer Jonathan Dove
Libretto by Alasdair Middleton
N Z Opera and The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus
Christchurch, Isaac Theatre Royal, September 5 /6
Wellington, St James Theatre, September 12/13
Auckland Kiri te Kanawa Theatre, September 19/20
| John Daly-Peoples |
| Following its highly successful production of La Boheme N Z Operas next production will be the Monster in the Maze, a contemporary community opera written by the British composer Jonathan Dove (Mansfield Park, Flight, Marx in London) with libretto by Alasdair Middleton that earned a British Composer Award in 2016. |
| Celebrated as one of the most successful contemporary operas of its kind globally, it was originally perforemed by the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Festival d’Art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence. |
| When the legendary King Minos defeats the Athenians, he metes out his punishment in the cruellest way possible: by destroying their hope for the future. Every year, the king compels the conquered Athenians to send him their youth, to be fed to the terrible beast at the centre of his island’s maze: the Minotaur. As the vindictive king will soon learn, however, these youth will not accept their fate without a fierce challenge. The Monster in the Maze is a story about resistance; about justice; about finding power not in oppression, but in collectivism. Fittingly, then, it’s also a groundbreaking work in its form: a community-focused and community-driven opera in which young and community singers and players stand proudly shoulder-to-shoulder with their professional counterparts, and in which both are integral. |
| The production marks the significant NZ Opera directorial debut for Anapela Polata’ivao. Reflecting on what drew her to The Monster in the Maze she explains: “What attracted me was the community aspect. This is an incredible opportunity for our local choirs and community members to participate in a high-level, professional performance. This collaborative involvement not only enriches the storytelling but also fosters a sense of connection to the production’s cultural themes and to each other, making it an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants and audiences.” |
| This new production pays homage to the rich Pasifika heritage that profoundly shapes New Zealand’s cultural tapestry, highlighting themes of displacement and resilience. The Athenian youth’s journey from a warmer homeland to the cold, unforgiving land of Crete powerfully echoes the migration experiences of many Pacific peoples. In this Aotearoa-specific interpretation, Athens symbolises the warmth and familiarity of the islands, while Crete metaphorically becomes contemporary urban New Zealand, embodying the challenges and opportunities of arriving in a new land. |
| An exceptional, all-New Zealand cast star in the principal roles. Acclaimed UK-based mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle (Andrea Chénier, Semele, La Cenerentola) brings her powerful presence to the role of Mother. Popular baritone and 2018 Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa (La Traviata, Mansfield Park, Rigoletto) steps into the role of maze architect Daedalus. Rising operatic talent Ipu Laga’aia, recently named NZ Opera Freemasons Foundation Company Artist for 2025, makes his professional operatic role debut as the hero Theseus. Completing the principal cast, versatile entertainer and actor Maaka Pohatu (Ngai Tāmanihiri, Tūwharetoa), known for The Modern Māori Quartet and screen roles in Happiness, Far North, and Wellington Paranormal, makes his NZ Opera debut as the vindictive King Minos. |
| Joining Anapela Polata’ivao and Stacey Leilua in the creative team, conductor Brad Cohen leads the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, and Brent Stewart conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland respectively. The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus, child, youth and adult community performers join the production in each city. |
| A highly innovative set, costume, and lighting design by Filament Eleven 11 (Rachel Marlow and Brad Gledhill) vividly transforms the worlds of Athens and Crete into a compelling contemporary setting. The design skilfully weaves local narratives into the production elements, showcasing Aotearoa’s unique identity and its ongoing dialogue between traditional heritage and contemporary realities. One of the operas first review, ten years ago in the Financial Times gave it high praise “First seen in Berlin last month, and now on its way to Aix-en-Provence, The Monster in the Maze is an exhilarating, visceral take on the ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur. Every aspect of Dove’s score, from the rhythmic game-play to the lower-brass Minotaur roars, stokes the imagination, leaving stage director Thomas Guthrie only to supply some subtle image projection and artful choreography. Alasdair Middleton’s libretto is less successful, thanks to some inane rhymes (“Theseus can box/ His arrows are unerring;/ And he works out with rocks”). But when sung with the do-or-die conviction of the LSO Discovery Choirs and LSO Community Choir, the overall product is a beast to be reckoned with.” |
New Zealand Arts Review 