Sydney Opera House at 50: Reflections on First Nations performance at the House

Celebrate 50 years of First Nations performance at the Sydney Opera House and hear how the performing arts influences critical conversations and connects audiences and creatives with culture.

Presented in collaboration with Museums of History NSW, GML Heritage and the Research Centre for Deep History at the Australian National University, this special First Nations Speaker Series hosted by the Sydney Opera House, will celebrate performing arts practice through a First Nations lens.

Performers and industry leaders will share the power of performance in creating space for challenging conversations, celebration and sharing of culture. Broadcaster Rudi Bremer will lead a conversation with Frances Rings, Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Dr Liza-Mare Syron, founding member of Moogahlin Performing Arts, and Actor, Steven Oliver as they explore the influence of First Nations Performance and the experience of performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Find out more

The Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
The Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
  • Thursday 3 August 6pm–7pm
Past exhibition

The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50

Celebrating five decades of extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments from the Sydney Opera House

Saturday 1 July
Harold Blair and Ida Scott circa 1940s/50s at the piano
Past event

First Stories of the House: The Life, Contribution & Legacy of Opera Singer Harold Blair AM

Join us for an evening celebrating the life of Harold Blair with a panel discussion moderated by Bundjalung and Kullilli journalist and broadcaster Daniel Browning

Wednesday 18 October 6pm–7.30pm
Harold Blair sings at a piano played by Marjorie Lawrence
First Nations

Paving the way ... Harold Blair: The first Aboriginal opera singer

A short documentary that offers a glimpse into the life of Harold Blair, a world-renowned tenor, family man and political campaigner who sought social justice and human rights for Australia’s First Nations people