Victorian Opera Premieres Adaptation of Helen Garner's The Spare Room

Victorian Opera presents The Spare Room, a new opera based on Helen Garner's 2008 novel, with music by Jane Hammond and libretto by Therèsa Borg. Directed by Sarah Goodes in her opera debut and conducted by Phoebe Briggs, the production runs at Arts Centre Melbourne from 7 to 10 October. Sopranos Natalie Jones and Antoinette Halloran star as Helen and Nicola. The novel draws on Garner's experience caring for friend Jenya Osborne, who pursued alternative cancer therapies. Borg secured Garner's approval immediately, and the creative team spent five years developing the work. Hammond incorporated musical references from Garner's life, including Bach's Three-Part Inventions, jazz, flamenco, and a ukulele chorus. The score is structured like a Benjamin Britten chamber opera, featuring instruments such as bass clarinet and alto flute. Both creators lost parents recently, influencing the emotional depth. The production emphasizes its Melbourne setting, with a scene featuring bicycles and a coffee cup. This opera follows a 2025 play adaptation by Eamon Flack.