A new international co‑production will see Hansel & Gretel developed in South Australia and presented in Hong Kong, strengthening long‑term creative collaboration.

State Opera South Australia and Opera Hong Kong have formalised an international partnership to co‑produce Hansel & Gretel, reinforcing South Australia’s capacity to develop large‑scale opera locally and share it with international audiences.

Building on the success of the companies’ 2025 collaboration on The Magic Flute, the partnership marks a shift towards deeper, skills‑focused international co‑production. The agreement supports sustained creative exchange, professional development and long‑term relationships between artists, companies and production teams.

Hansel & Gretel, composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, will premiere in Adelaide in August 2026, before touring to Hong Kong in 2027. The full creative build, including sets, costumes and technical components, will take place in South Australia, supporting ongoing employment and skills development for local artists, designers, technicians and production staff.

Following the Adelaide season, production assets will be transferred to Hong Kong for presentation at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Directed by Constantine Costi and conducted by Dane Lam, Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia, the production brings South Australian creative leadership to an international stage.

The touring model represents a move away from short‑term, fly‑in fly‑out engagement towards a genuine co‑production framework, with creative leads remaining closely involved across development, rehearsal and performance in both locations. This approach strengthens knowledge sharing, continuity and artistic integrity.

The formal co‑signing of the partnership reflects growing confidence in South Australia as a place where world‑class opera is conceived, developed and delivered through internationally connected practice. It demonstrates how strategic collaboration can support sector capability, creative ambition and sustained international engagement.