Critics that labelled Bill Henson’s photographs of children pornographic would have a field day with Lewis Carroll. The author of much loved Alice in Wonderland stories had a thing for photographing children.

He was fascinated, in particular, by Alice Peasance Liddell (pictured) who became the main character in his Wonderland tales. Liddell is the focus of a new opera, Through the Looking Glass, composed by Alan John with Andrew Upton as Librettist. 

The show is co-produced by Victorian Opera and the Malthouse with Michael Kantor (Malthouse Artist Director) directing and Richard Gill (Victorian Opera Music Director) as conductor. Along with these artistic heavy weights it also boasts a grand cast, not the least of which is It Takes Two star, David Hobson.

In this contemporary retelling of Lewis Carroll’s tale, Alice (Dimity Shepherd) now an adult relives the Wonderland adventure in a quest to unravel her identity. As Kantor points out in the production notes, “the opera asks; what are the effects on a child when their childhood is stolen from them”? That premise is encapsulated in one scene when the character of the White Knight (Hobson) takes Alice’s photograph, all the while her asking his permission to grow up.   

In the same way that Carroll employed child’s sense of possibility in the telling of his stories, this opera employs the abstract tools of contemporary theatre to delve into the psychology of Alice Pleasance Liddell. The actor/singers take on multiple roles and the production features projected imagery, puppetry and other animated pieces of set. It’s all framed by Alan John’s music composition, itself dreamlike and at times jarring – though strangely satisfying.

Through The Looking Glass is not an easy night out but it is a fascinating one. It’s a must for those who’ve read Lewis Carroll and wonder what the hell they are all about. You may even need to book an appointment with a therapist to deal with your own childhood ghosts. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be looking at yourself in the mirror in quite the same way. 
The Malthouse Theatre
Southbank
Until May 31
www.malthousetheatre.com.au

by DAREN POPE