The opera that gave us the famous Bell Song — colonialism, forbidden love, and pipes that could shatter glass.
Opera Australia's 1976 production of Lakmé, an opera in three acts by Léo Delibes, with a French libretto by Edmond Gondinet and Philippe Gille. Set in India during the British Raj, the story focuses on Lakmé, the daughter of a Hindu priest. Lakmé's life is troubled by her infatuation with a British officer.
Acting
Joan Sutherland's coloratura will rearrange your molecules.
Production
1976 staging commits fully to Orientalist fantasy — problematic but gorgeous.
Score
Delibes' Flower Duet: the blueprint for every airline ad ever.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Joan Sutherland's Bell Song in this production became the definitive recording — she reportedly hit a high F above high C that made microphones weep.
Lakmé's 'Flower Duet' became inescapable after British Airways used it in ads from 1989-2007, completely divorcing it from its colonial tragedy context.
AU
