Southern Opera has redefined the phrase "flying visit" for its Dunedin performance this weekend.
Following a five-performance season of Il Trovatore in Christchurch, the entire cast, orchestra and crew will make a whirlwind trip to Dunedin for a one-off performance as part of the Otago Festival of the Arts today.
The company of more than 100 will board a chartered Boeing 737, embark on the short flight from Christchurch to Dunedin and head straight to the Regent Theatre.
Immediately after the performance (and less than 12 hours later), they depart again on their return flight.
"The logistics are significant," Southern Opera chief executive Christopher Doig said.
"After our performances at the Theatre Royal in Christchurch we pack up everything in the dark and fly to Dunedin. Then we perform, jump back on the plane still in make-up and head back to Christchurch."
The $40,000 operation was an investment in southern opera.
"It's not really prudent . . . but it's consistent with our view we will do whatever it takes to bring international opera to Otago."
