Opera Australia have announced a costume clearance sale this April, with everything from couture to corsets up for grabs. The Opera Centre in Surry Hills will open its doors over two days on 14th and 15th April for a unique chance to own a piece of operatic costume history and bag a bargain.
The costume clearance sale – what is it?
Stock from retired productions will be available for purchase with prices starting at the jaw-droppingly low fifty cents. In an effort to make room to store new creations, Opera Australia will be selling more than 2,000 pieces, crafted with hundreds of thousands of hours of hand stitching and painstaking attention to detail.
Opera Australia’s Wigs and Wardrobe Manager, Rebecca Ritchie explained:
“Our last two clearance sales have been remarkedly popular, selling out on both occasions. This is another fantastic opportunity for fans to become the proud owners of specific, incredible costumes and accessories that have had a life on the stages of the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Sydney Opera House and other venues around the country.”
Get your very own piece of opera finery when Opera Australia opens the doors for an extraordinary costume clearance sale.
Items will be on offer from productions of operas including Boris Godunov, Carmen, Don Carlos, Iolanthe, Orpheus in the Underworld, and The Pearl Fishers among many more. Dress-up dreams can come true amid the array of fantasy costumes, men’s and women’s period clothing, traditional dress, period hats, armour, and theatrical fabrics and trims.
You can strut your stuff in one of thousands of pieces made by hand in Opera Australia’s famed costume department. Walk like an Egyptian, swagger in military uniform or pirouette in period dress (from just about any period of history).
This is next level op-shopping. Except instead of picking through high street brands you might pick up a piece of couture. And any suspicious blood stains were painted by hand in our art department. You’ll be the envy of friends and strangers at future parties.
With Mother’s Day here before you know it, the perfect gift for Mum may be found in these exclusive pieces that were once worn by some of opera’s best dramatic divas – whether Mum would like to be surprised with a precious keepsake worn by her favourite heroine or if she needs a glitzy gown to dress to impress at her next special event.
How to attend the costume clearance sale
This is a free event and entry will be permitted on a first in, best dressed basis until the venue reaches capacity.
The sale will be open on Friday 14 April, 10:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday 15 April, 9:00am to 4:00pm at The Opera Centre, Level 2, Paint Dock (entry at the rear of the building, via Clisdell St) 480 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Please note limited street parking is available.
Covid-19 Safety Measures
- Please note that visitors are advised not to attend if unwell.
- No dressing rooms will be available to try on items.
- EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available only, no cash.
- Customers must bring their own bags.
Also by Michelle Sciarrotta:
Accessibility At The Smith Center Series: Part One
James “Fitz” FitzSimmons Interview: The Boys In The Band On Netflix