The Monk by Steven Stanke

Rockdale Opera Company proudly presents the world premiere of a new Australian opera in a workshop performance of The Monk, a gothic chamber opera by Steven Stanke.

Inspired by Matthew Gregory Lewis’s notorious 1796 novel, The Monk is set in Madrid, where piety, desire, and the supernatural collide. This gripping tale centres on Ambrosio, a celebrated monk whose ironclad virtue begins to crumble when he confronts temptation in its most beguiling forms.

From its atmospheric opening scenes within the cloistered monastery to its seductive encounters, spectral visitations, and final harrowing downfall, The Monk conjures a world of mystery, passion, and moral peril. With its haunting music, intense drama, and shadowy gothic aesthetic, this bold new work promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of human frailty and forbidden desire.

One performance only at 8pm on Saturday, 28 February at Rockdale Town Hall. The opera's duration is approximately 90 minutes (no interval). Tickets are $50, and includes a pre-performance talk by composer Steven Stanke at 7.15pm on the genesis of the opera.

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