The Pinchgut Opera is set to present the Australian premiere of Alessandro Scarlatti’s “The First Murder (Il primo omicidio).”

The work is a rare Baroque piece that returns to one of humanity’s oldest myths, not simply to tell the story of Cain and Abel, but to explore what follows.

“The First Murder” is a story of becoming human and the new production transforms the oratorio into a fully staged opera, reuniting with acclaimed Australian director Dean Bryant.

In statement, Artistic Director Erin Helyard said, “This is a piece that doesn’t sit on the surface—it emerges from something deeply felt. Scarla: has this rare ability to make sacred drama feel genuinely theatrical: the music is refined and beau?fully controlled, but alive with tension, tenderness, and real psychological force.”

The production will star Sara Macliver, Ashlyn Tymms, Madison Nonoa and Kyle Stegall, Stephanie Dillon, and Freddy Shaw. Erin Helyard conducts.

“The First Murder” opens on May 23 through 31, 2026.