Cancellations, flooding delays, signal issues and trackwork – Sydney’s train system has always been one for dramatics, but never before have the experiences of a frustrated commuter been captured so uniquely as in BBT’s TRACK WORKS.

At Sydney’s stunning historic Mortuary Station, station master Bill (Michael Kaufmann), impatient career woman Jane (Anastasia Gall), homeless woman dreaming of being an artist Sam (Sophie Mohler) and bored schoolgirls Jess and Jo (Elizabeth Harper and Eden Shifroni) share the epiphanies one can have, and the mischief one can get up to, while waiting for the train via a jukebox musical of ARIAs from classic operas, including The Barber of Seville, La Traviata, La Boheme and Madam Butterfly. 

TRACK WORKS a great way to get a little taste of opera without the usual price tag, language barrier and dress code. The gothic opulence of this one-platform, heritage listed station, accompanied by the background of the many tracks moving in and out of Sydney’s Central Station, is a wonderful setting for this story that seeks to create a little more meaning to the mundanities of everyday life.

The opera greats that comprise the jukebox opera have been well thought-out and executed to ensure that even those who have never been exposed to opera before would recognise a few melodies from their prominence in pop culture. Screens dotted around the audience provide paraphrased translations of each aria, building on the emotion and, more often, comedic value, of the moment. The incredibly dramatic gravitas of ‘O Fortuna’ to represent the train running late had the audience giggling, but also relating hard!

And don’t let the quirky genre fool you – the cast have not come to play, delivering exceptional vocal performances. They embody their roles beautifully, in that there’s no doubt that you’ve encountered them on the platform before! Anastasia Gall as career-woman Jane having a quarter-life crisis as she waits for her train is maybe too relatable in Gounod’s ‘Je Veux Vivre,’ while homeless woman Sam’s performance of Dvorak’s ‘Song to the Moon’ really forces you to pause and reflect on the lives of the many people living on Sydney’s streets.

The story of Elizabeth Harper’s goody two-shoes student being led astray by rebellious girl Eden Shifroni is hilariously told in a series of increasingly raucous performances of ‘Libiamo’ and ‘Io Sono Docile’ and ‘Avec Gard,’ tempered by the songs of Michale Kauffman’s long-suffering, prideful station master in ‘Largo al Factotem.’

The historic setting, unique story and high calibre performance are a real treat in Sydney’s theatre line-up. Purchase your ticket to TRACK WORKS here.

Chenin Blanc | Wine Pairing

Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine varietal that can be produced to be dry, sweet, lighter and medium bodied, and is a great summery wine for enjoying outdoors. It pairs with seafood, spicy dishes, cheese and more.

TRACK WORKS, BBT | Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	21 Nov to 19 Dec 2023, Mortuary Station Sydney, produced by BBT.
Ticket $	$45-60
Writer	Thomas De Angelis and Clemence Williams
Director	Clemence Williams
Theatre Type & Genre	Opera
See it if you like	stories that create meaning in the everyday
Wine Pairing	Chenin Blanc
Criteria for Wine Pairing	refreshing, versatile flavour palate suitable for an outdoor concert