I had known about the Dramatic Opera Programme in Berlin for several years. A few of my colleagues had taken part and had spoken about how valuable the experience had been, not only musically, but personally. They talked about the intensity of the work, the people they had met and, most importantly, how much they had grown as singers.

I had thought about applying for a while, but, as singers often do, I had a good deal of umming and erring before finally deciding to go for it. I recorded two arias for my audition and sent the video to the programme directors on a Friday in March.

By Monday morning, I had an email telling me I had been accepted. It was all rather sudden!

There is a common fantasy that once a performer has made it, the art alone will sustain their lifestyle. The days are imagined as neatly filled with rehearsals, performances in beautifully lit studios, and a life of grandeur.

For most performers, that is simply a fantasy.

Artistic Director of Heirlume Productions, Manda Rozen-Flannery lets us peek behind the curtain on her influences and inspiration for Sweet Charity.

Madison Lee, director of Forest Collective and Heirlume Productions’ upcoming season of Sweet Charity, sits down with us to talk about love, belonging and identity.

Forest Collective presents

My Heart

As part of Midsumma Festival, 2026
Thursday 22 January 7:30pm
Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre

Naarm