The operatic oratorio “Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan” is set for its Melbourne premiere on Nov. 21-28 at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne.

The work, which tells the true story of Dr. George Duncan, a University of Adelaide lecturer who drowned in the River Torrens in 1972 and the alleged police cover-up that followed, was presented at the Sydney Opera House in 2024 fllowing its world premiere in 2022 at the Adelaide Festival.

Christos Tsiolkas and Alana Valentine wrote the libretto from press clippings, inquest transcripts, private correspondence, and monologues spanning five decades of anti-gay violence. The score was composed by Joseph Twist.

Tenor Mark Oates and bass Pelham Andrews reprise their roles from the original production, with Oates as Duncan/Dunstan and Andrews as Mick O’Shea/Cop/Lawyer. Blake Appelqvist makes their debut as the Lost Boy, and dancer Sebastian Geilings and the Opera Australia Chorus complete the cast. Brett Weymark will conduct with Orchestra Victoria.

Cheryl Pickering serves as revival director.

The production, which was co-commissioned by Feast Festival, Adelaide Festival, and State Opera South Australia, will run for a total of six performances.