Opera Australia will present the world premiere of “The Drover’s Wife” this August.

The new First Nations opera, which features music by composer George Palmer AM and a libretto by Leah Purcell AM, is co-commissioned by Opera Australia and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in association with Oombarra Productions and The Balnaves Foundation. Purcell AM will direct the production of the work, which is based on Henry Lawson’s 1892 short story and blends contemporary First Nations storytelling with grand opera, incorporating Indigenous language alongside English text.

The story centers on Molly Johnson, heavily pregnant and living in a remote district of the Snowy Mountains while her husband is away droving sheep. When Yadaka, an Aboriginal man fleeing authorities, seeks shelter at her homestead, Molly’s understanding of the world beyond her solitude is transformed.

Soprano Nina Korbe, a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji and Wakka Wakka woman, leads the cast as Molly Johnson. Bundjalung tenor Marcus Corowa, known for his work in “Bran Nue Dae” and “The Rabbits,” plays Yadaka. The OA Orchestra will perform under the baton of conductor Tahu Matheson. The creative team includes set designer Isabel Hudson, costume designer Tess Schofield, lighting designer Karen Norris, sound designer Michael Waters, and choreographer Yolande Brown, a former Bangarra dancer and Bidjara woman.

“The intensity and scale of this Australian story makes it ripe for an operatic retelling,” said Purcell, per an official press release. “While this opera may not follow traditional expectations, it will offer something uniquely Australian — bold, grounded and full of heart.”

Read Related Stories

• Opera Australia 2026 Review: Eugene Onegin

• Opera Australia to Tour ‘Don Giovanni’ Nationally