Opera

The Drover's Wife - Tickets

Molly Johnson battles the wild Australian outback in The Drover’s Wife, starring Nina Korbe in a breathtaking opera at Sydney’s Joan Sutherland Theatre.

4.7/5(26)

Joseph K

Couple

Verified booking

5 days ago

Hi Alex, I thoroughly enjoyed the Drover's Wife. From the start I felt engaged with the performance and this connection stayed until the end, made possible by the tightly woven synergy between actors, dancers, musicians and set designers to relay the story. It gave a very clear overview of Aboriginal history that brought not a feeling of anger but a feeling of being cleansed. The attention for detail was a sheer delight. This performance has the key to create awareness and respect for the plight of Aboriginal people for all Australians but also for people overseas, worthwhile touring far and wide, for years on end. Jos

Lesley G

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Story telling at its finest, the majestic powerful leaning snowgum the base of every characters narrative, clever use of film imagery between mountain silhouettes describing different times of day and moods. A rich and powerful backdrop amplifying each actor singers voice and actions, superlative and beautiful passionate performances leading us deeply into the story, audible gasps and shudders in the audience echoing the drama and tragedy unfolding in the Driver's Wife opera, live orchestral music nuancing beautifully every moment. Each re-telling of this story in book, film, play, and now opera is just as new, fresh and powerful as it's predecessor, thank you to the incredible skills of Leah Purcell creator, producer, director and actress !!

Marie M

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The sei was mesmerising. The atmosphere, time of day and season all encapsulated in the one space. Brilliant! I loved it as an opera because it awakened every sense. Aboriginal song, dance and instruments gave it further authenticity.A great vehicle to show inherent racism ,domestic violence and the profound effect of reverse racism. The best opera I have seen . So relevant to our lives and portraying the attitudes and behaviour that is seemingly entrenched in our society. So powerful..Plenty to reflect on and a great way to advocate for change.

Helen P

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The Drovers Wife tells a deeply human and compelling story about the history of Australia, one which we all need to hear. Every part of the performance was memorable. The actors and singers and dancers were all excellent as well as the evocative stage setting and the costumes. Everything contributed to making the Opera the success it was including of course George Palme s music. Leah Purcell has made Henry Lawson's The Drovers Wife a classic story of the 21st century. An amazing achievement

Jenny P

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Amazing! Yadaka and Molly were superb. The set was atmospheric. All the performances were on song. Loved seeing a story about Australia made into an opera. The themes of dv and our treatment of Aboriginals was raw and real. Was pleased that the ending was softened from the book.

Susan W

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The opera is an extraordinary theatrical experience, beautifully combining music, performance and staging that involves the audience emotionally. Its creator, Leah Purcell, brings the spiritual to the stage to breathtaking effect.

Based on Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play, novel, and film, The Drover’s Wife blends grand opera and contemporary storytelling.

Starring rising opera sensation Nina Korbe (West Side Story Sydney Harbour) with a score by George Palmer, this production earned rave previews for its lush orchestrations and gripping performances.

Experience raw emotion and epic duets that highlight the tension, courage, and heritage in this limited-run opera.

Grab The Drover's Wife Sydney tickets to explore survival, resilience, and the rugged Australian High Country through mesmerizing staging, costumes, and symphonic music.

The story

Heavily pregnant and alone, Molly Johnson faces snakes, bullocks, and hostile travelers while her husband droves sheep. When Yadaka, an Aboriginal man fleeing authorities, disrupts her fragile sanctuary, past hardships resurface. How will Molly defend her home and family while confronting truths she can no longer ignore?

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

26 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Lesley G
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Story telling at its finest, the majestic powerful leaning snowgum the base of every characters narrative, clever use of film imagery between mountain silhouettes describing different times of day and moods. A rich and powerful backdrop amplifying each actor singers voice and actions, superlative and beautiful passionate performances leading us deeply into the story, audible gasps and shudders in the audience echoing the drama and tragedy unfolding in the Driver's Wife opera, live orchestral music nuancing beautifully every moment. Each re-telling of this story in book, film, play, and now opera is just as new, fresh and powerful as it's predecessor, thank you to the incredible skills of Leah Purcell creator, producer, director and actress !!
Joseph K
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
Hi Alex, I thoroughly enjoyed the Drover's Wife. From the start I felt engaged with the performance and this connection stayed until the end, made possible by the tightly woven synergy between actors, dancers, musicians and set designers to relay the story. It gave a very clear overview of Aboriginal history that brought not a feeling of anger but a feeling of being cleansed. The attention for detail was a sheer delight. This performance has the key to create awareness and respect for the plight of Aboriginal people for all Australians but also for people overseas, worthwhile touring far and wide, for years on end. Jos
Marie M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The sei was mesmerising. The atmosphere, time of day and season all encapsulated in the one space. Brilliant! I loved it as an opera because it awakened every sense. Aboriginal song, dance and instruments gave it further authenticity.A great vehicle to show inherent racism ,domestic violence and the profound effect of reverse racism. The best opera I have seen . So relevant to our lives and portraying the attitudes and behaviour that is seemingly entrenched in our society. So powerful..Plenty to reflect on and a great way to advocate for change.
Helen P
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The Drovers Wife tells a deeply human and compelling story about the history of Australia, one which we all need to hear. Every part of the performance was memorable. The actors and singers and dancers were all excellent as well as the evocative stage setting and the costumes. Everything contributed to making the Opera the success it was including of course George Palme s music. Leah Purcell has made Henry Lawson's The Drovers Wife a classic story of the 21st century. An amazing achievement
Jenny P
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
Amazing! Yadaka and Molly were superb. The set was atmospheric. All the performances were on song. Loved seeing a story about Australia made into an opera. The themes of dv and our treatment of Aboriginals was raw and real. Was pleased that the ending was softened from the book.

Show details

Category: Opera

Audience: Suitable for 15+ yrs

Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theatre

You can find the best seats with our Joan Sutherland Theatre seating plan.

Theater facilities: elevator, restrooms, bar

Theater accessibility: wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, companion seating

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Nina Korbe as Molly Johnson, Marcus Corowa as Yadaka

Composer: George Palmer

Libretto by: Leah Purcell with George Palmer

Director: Leah Purcell AM

Choreographer: Yolande Brown

Set Designer: Isabel Hudson

Costume Designer: Tess Schofield

Lighting Designer: Karen Norris

Sound Designer: Michael Waters

Associate Director: Imara Savage

Producer: Bain Stewart for Oombarra Productions

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 15 and above.

Content warning: This production contains graphic depictions of violence, including violence against women, themes of racism, replica firearms, and gunshot effects.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.