Through the Looking Glass is the first collaboration between Malthouse Theatre and Victorian Opera. The 2008 Malthouse season continues to surprise and delight with this astonishing new opera.

Through the Looking Glass explores perceptions of childhood and growing up, while maintaining the absurdity and humour of Lewis Carroll’s writing. Composer Alan John and librettist Andrew Upton have fashioned an intriguing work that draws from the “Alice” books and the report and rumour surrounding Charles Lutwudge Dodgson (Carroll) and his relationship with Alice Pleasance Liddell. (Dramaturge Maryanne Lynch’s discussion of this relationship is in the programme and is well worth reading.)  This Alice is followed and reflected by three ‘young Alices’ whose presence continually force us to question the truth and source of their wonderland.

Peter Corrigan’s incredible set, costume and puppet design delightfully re-invent the reflected backwards world. With hints of darkness and complex imagery, the design is as fascinating and confusing as Alice’s (and Carroll’s) thoughts.

Director Michael Kantor brings a determined story telling aspect to the production. It is a complex and difficult story to follow, as well-known parts of the tale are missing and Carroll has become a character, but Kantor lets us understand enough, without compromising the music or spectacle.

With the likes of David Hobson and Suzanne Johnston, the cast are all wonderful, including the children playing the young Alices. However, Dimity Shepherd is outstanding as Alice. Shepherd is always vocally superb and consistently brings complexity and depth to her characters.

Conductor Richard Gill says, “Shiny new operas are held very close to our hearts.”  It is indeed rare to see an Australian opera produced. Victorian Opera are including a new Australian opera in their repertoire each year. By bringing a production as wonderful as Through the Looking Glass to a wider theatre audience, let’s hope that theatre appetites are whetted for more of the same.