Adam Yee

‘Carmilla’ is a new work by Victorian composer Adam Yee that is being staged in December 2016. The work was first presented as part of a workshop with Chamber Made Opera and Victorian Opera New Operatic Ventures Australia (NOVA) and in December 2016 will be realised as a fully staged production.

'Carmilla' is a ghost story for theatre performed by four actors with an integrated score performed by an ensemble of musicians including pianist Eidit Golder and violinist Lyndon Chester. The upcoming season of performances of ‘Carmilla’ will take place at La Mama’s Courthouse Theatre.

An intersection between composed contemporary music, theatre and literature, ‘Carmilla’ presents an innovative mode of story telling. The production seeks to broaden the conception of opera and develop the current understanding of the art form. More strictly, it is a melodrama: there is an ongoing musical commentary interwoven with the text. This is not a radio play, however. The staging is vital to the storytelling.

We believe that 'Carmilla' is different to many works being staged in Australia at present. A ghost story, not unlike a traditional play but one where the music is as important an integrated as a traditional opera. 

As an independent production, we are seeking funds to pay our musicians for the performances of the piece. 

Each musician is paid $150 per call. 

Four shows x four musicians x $150 = $2400

If we can secure $50 from 48 supporters we will be able to meet our target. 

Work on this production begun at a time when federal arts funding body the Australia Council had it's budget decimated. As such, availability of grants for small, independent productions has been virtually non-existent this year and funding at a state level has become highly competitive. 

Adam Yee's complex score required musicianship of the highest and therefore we must be able to employ and pay musicians who can meet it's demands.