A world-first collaboration is set to bring opera and outer space together in Adelaide next month, as State Opera South Australia presents Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma in an epic new format for one night only.
Taking over Her Majesty’s Theatre on Friday 15 May, the special performance will see one of opera’s most celebrated works reimagined through a cosmic lens, with bespoke animated projections inspired by space and the universe created in collaboration with Adelaide-based Fleet Space Technologies.
Presented in concert format, the production will feature orchestra and singers on stage, while the visual world around them draws audiences into a striking new interpretation of Bellini’s masterpiece. It’s an ambitious concept that brings music, science, and the vast theatre of the universe together.
State Opera South Australia Artistic Director Dane Lam said the collaboration opens up an entirely new way of experiencing opera.
“State Opera already defines itself as an international opera company. Now we are going intergalactic.”
“This world-first collaboration is about expanding what opera can be. Norma is one of the most powerful works ever written, and presenting it in this format with an evocative visual world allows the immortal music and visceral emotion to land in an unprecedented way. It brings together South Australian creativity with world-leading technology creating something that feels ambitious, contemporary and uniquely ours,” he said.
Fleet Space Technologies Co-Founder and CEO Flavia Tata Nardini said, “At Fleet, we are driven by a sense of curiosity about the universe and our place within it.”
“This collaboration is a beautiful way to connect science and art — to explore human stories through the lens of the cosmos. It’s incredibly exciting to see our world translated into a live performance that invites audiences to look up and think differently about the future.”
Fleet Space Technologies Co-Founder and CEO Flavia Tata Nardini
At the centre of the production is one of opera’s most iconic roles, with internationally acclaimed Australian soprano Helena Dix performing Norma following recent success at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
She’ll be joined by a standout cast including Rosario La Spina as Pollione, Miriam Albano as Adalgisa, Teddy Tahu Rhodes as Oroveso, Lucy Stoddart as Clotilde and Callum McGing as Flavio, alongside the State Opera Chorus and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the baton of New Zealand Opera General Director Brad Cohen.
Set in a society under occupation and centred on love, betrayal and sacrifice, Norma is regarded as one of the pinnacles of the bel canto tradition. Its famous aria Casta diva remains one of the most recognisable moments in opera history.
South Australian Minister for the Arts Kyam Maher said, “South Australia continues to lead the way in creating bold, original work that brings together our world-class arts sector with cutting-edge industries.”
“This collaboration between State Opera South Australia and Fleet Space Technologies is a powerful example of how we are backing local talent while positioning the state at the forefront of creative and technological innovation.”
This one-night-only performance forms part of State Opera South Australia’s Golden Jubilee 2026 Season. Tickets start from $79, with Under 30s tickets from $35.
Norma
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
When: 15 May 2026
For more information and tickets, click here.
