As reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, dozens of performers, musicians, technicians and creative staff, who were rehearsing Otello for Opera Australia, have had to go into self-isolation after a construction worker involved with the refurbishment of the Sydney Opera House tested positive to COVID-19.

A spokesperson from OA told Limelight: “Opera Australia is working closely with the Sydney Opera House, and following the advice from NSW Health regarding COVID-safe plans and protocols, to ensure the safety of its performers and staff.”

The isolation order is thought to affect OA principal singers and orchestra members, and will also apply to their families and householders.

Opera Australia Aida

Warwick Fyfe as Amonasro and Leah Crocetto as Aida in Opera Australia’s 2021 production of Aida at the Sydney Opera House. Photograph © Prudence Upton

The OA 2021 Sydney Winter season had only just opened, with one performance of Aida staged, when the two-week Sydney lockdown forced the cancellation of all subsequent performances until Friday 9 July. In line with the NSW Government’s extension to the stay-at-home order, the Opera House will now remain closed until Friday 16 July.

It’s a double blow for the cast...