


When you’re the Emperor, lust conquers all…
Enter ancient Rome as the ruler Emperor Nero and his obsession Poppea ruthlessly pursue their love. Power, politics and passion paint the backdrop of Monteverdi’s masterpiece. Desire and betrayal claim centre-stage.
Victorian Opera presents celebrated Composer Elena Kats-Chernin’s re-orchestration of this early opera with a subtle infusion of jazz, tango and ragtime.
Director Sam Strong (Echo and Narcissus/Cassandra) and Conductor Chad Kelly (Abduction) lean into the sensuality at the core of this coronation. Baritone Samuel Dundas and rising star soprano Meechot Marrero star as Nero and Poppea.
3hr. Incl. 1 Interval.
30th June, 2026
4th July, 2026

VENUE ENTRY: Entry into the venue foyer is via the Lower Esplanade main entrance doors. All entry doors provide accessible entry. There are no steps from the footpath outside the Venue to the front of the Ground Level auditorium.
STALLS ENTRY: Entry into the Stalls auditorium provides access to accessible seating in Stalls Rows A & W plus access to the Lift and Accessible toilet.
LEVEL 1 ACCESS: Lift access is available to Level 1 foyer area, providing access to bars, Lounge Row D accessible seating and an accessible toilet.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAM: The tram stop is a 1 minute walk away from the venue, hop off at Stop 138 Luna Park / The Esplanade.
Tram 16 - Melbourne University to Kew via St Kilda Beach Tram 3a - Melbourne University to East Malvern (via St Kilda) WEEKENDS ONLY Tram 96 - East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach
BY BUS: There are many bus stops located in St Kilda, most are only a short 2 minute stroll to the venue.
Route 246 - La Trobe Uni - St Kilda – Elsternwick Route 600/922/923 - St Kilda Light-Rail Station to Southland Shopping Centre Route 606 - Port Melbourne to St Kilda Route 623 - Glen Waverley to St Kilda
BY TAXI: A designated taxi rank is located on Acland Street near the Carlisle Street intersection.
BY CAR: There are many parking options just a short stroll from the Palais Theatre including:
St Kilda Triangle Car Park, Marine Parade (1 minute) Luna Park - 23 Shakespeare Grove, St Kilda (3 minutes) Acland Street Shops - 2 Belford Street, St Kilda (6 minutes) Acland Court - 183 Barkly Street St Kilda (8 minutes) St Kilda Sea Baths - 10 Jacka Boulevard (5 minutes) Marine Parade Carpark - Marine Parade (7 minutes) Jackson Street - 36 Jackson Street, St Kilda (9 minutes) Metropol - 64 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda (14 minutes)
Please be aware that almost all parking in St Kilda, including on-street, is paid parking. So please check for signage and bring your credit card or change.
Patrons are responsible for checking ticket machines at time of the parking ticket purchase. Don’t forget to check closing times of undercover car parks.
Note: Saturdays and Sundays are particularly busy in St Kilda with daytime visitors so please take this into account when planning your trip.
Music: Claudio Monteverdi in the version by Elena Kats-Chernin
Text: Italian text by GF Busenello in an adaption of the text and vocal lines by Alan Hick
Conductor: Chad Kelly
Director: Sam Strong
Set & Costume Designer: Anna Cordingley
Lighting Designer: Matt Scott
CAST
Poppea: Meechot Marrero
Nerone: Samuel Dundas
Ottone: Jeremy Kleeman
Ottavia: Margaret Trubiano
Performed with: Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra
The Coronation of Poppea runs for 3hr. Incl. 1 Interval.
The Coronation of Poppea is at Melbourne's Palais Theatre, which is located at Cnr Lower Esplanade and Cavell Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, 3182.
The Coronation of Poppea tickets start at $44.
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