Opera and acrobatics meet in a modern retelling of a famous Greek myth.
The story of Orpheus' descent into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice has inspired artists, writers and composers for centuries.
His journey into the jaws of Hades will soon come to life at the Sydney Opera House.
The tragic love story will star acclaimed French countertenor Christophe Dumaux and Australian soprano Cathy-Di Zhang, accompanied by acrobatic artists from Circa.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles projected onto a stark white wall, the contemporary take on Gluck's heartbreaking opera has been described as a "genre-busting" production.
"It's one of those stories that's so iconic that it's been told again and again," creative director Lindy Hume said.
"It's great to have both the original in its original form but also this very contemporary interpretation of it."
Ms Hume said the production would be controversial to some opera purists but may attract new audience members.
Its abstract style stands in contrast to much of Opera Australia's more traditional line up for 2024.
"We've just had a very lush production of Traviata that opened the season, which is all frocks and champagne and all the gorgeous realism," Ms Hume said.
Orpheus and Eurydice will be performed at the Joan Sutherland Theatre from January 12 to 31.
