May 19. Day 30. The Phantom of the Opera

Trigger warnings have become somewhat controversial. Those in favour say vulnerable audience members should know before they hand over their hard earned or walk into the theatre exactly what they are signing up to. Those against, including Dame Judy Dench think they spoil the surprise and "if you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked. Where is the surprise of seeing and understanding it in your own way?”

I can see both sides of the coin. No-one wants spoilers but there are things the audience needs to know. The Drover's Wife, a new opera at QPAC which we saw tonight, definitely needed the warnings ... and there were a lot of them .

This production contains depictions of stillbirth, infant death, domestic and sexual violence, the use of replica firearms and gunshot effects and the representation of violence committed against Aboriginal people in the 1860s including massacres, murder, and racist acts and language.

If that sounds like confronting stuff ... that's because it was but as the warning also highlights it was done with intention. "When it explored difficult aspects of Australia's history it does so with intention, to engage with stories that are important to tell, to acknowledge and to honour. It has been crafted with great care, including cultural consultation and a strong commitment to the wellbeing of performers crew and audience members."

So moving, so confronting, so unexpected in an opera. Don't say you weren't warned.