Stepping into the spotlight for a principal debut is a moment of immense significance for any performer. It’s a feeling that can perhaps only be equal to or even surpassed when assuming a titular role for the first time. This holds true for WA’s very own Lachlann Lawton, who is ready to take the stage as the Trojan prince in the West Australian Opera’s upcoming production of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Performing alongside his long-time friend and colleague Ashlyn Tymms as Dido, Lawton spoke with Magazine 6000 about his titular role, journey into opera and the enduring appeal of classic tales like this one.
Lachlann, you’ve played leading roles previous to this one, but this is your first time in a titular role. Tell us how that feels and about the difference between this role and others you’ve played?
I’ve played other principal roles with West Australian Opera before, which have been really, great. They have given me the experience to be able to go into this titular role, because being a principal is a step up from what I was doing before getting main roles. But being on the poster, and on the title of the piece is amazing. It’s the endgame for being a lead role. I have had great experiences watching lots of my friends do lead roles and seeing how they tackle them as a person, professionally and also musically. It means a lot to me, and being effectively a poster boy for this show is something that is not lost on me. I’m really excited.
So, describe Aeneas, who is he and how does he play a part in this story?
He’s a soldier from Troy, so he was there at the Fall of Troy. (Like the movie, he fought with Brad Pitt.) He was a Trojan on the other side, he got out and was one of the people that helped all the civilians escape Troy. They went on an odyssey around the seas, he then ended up in North Africa which is across from Carthage. Carthage was a new city made by Dido, and she was the queen. He turns up there with all his followers and decides to stay after falling madly in love with Dido. However, a sorceress tells him he needs to go because the gods aren’t happy him being practically on a working holiday in Carthage. They want him to go to and start Rome, create all the big towns and start Italy. So, he has to break up with Dido, which she doesn’t like very much.
What’s the emotional journey for you playing a role like this?
I kind of had a love at first sight experience with my wife. So, it’s something that I can relate to. But I’ve never had to deal with a breakup before, so that’s something I’ve had to ask a lot of people about and try to work out what that feeling is and how to tell people bad news. I’ll bring some of that into it. It will be interesting to try and work out.
Joshua Firman and Lachlann Lawton in Into the Woods. Photography by West Beach Studio.
Why do you think audiences still have such an appetite for these classic stories in 2024?
If the stories are good enough, they transcend time. With stories like this, it’s a love story, it’s a story that’s written about people that only got together briefly. It was love at first sight. Then someone was thrown away and they were broken hearted. I think that’s still happening in Taylor Swift songs, it happens in every different type of music and movies in pop culture. It’s continuous and something people can always relate to.
The music of this is older than some things we see more regularly like La Boheme or Carmen, it’s fun to know that the story is from that long ago. The music is beautiful as well, Purcell was an absolute champ in his day for what he was able to do especially with the limited instruments they had.
How did your opera journey start and what drew you to singing?
I loved doing the Bunbury Eisteddfod because I liked winning! I had a really lovely teacher who encouraged me to do the Eisteddfod from when I was in year four. I had private lessons, did shows, performed with the South West Opera Company and with the Bunbury Musical Comedy Group for a few shows. I had the opportunity to do stuff isn’t available in other country towns. After school I went to study at WAAPA and then I was encouraged to go to the UK. I’ve been all over Europe and I still love going home.
Lachlann Lawton. Photography by Angelo Di Benedetto.
What was it like studying and living in the UK? Did you feel a cultural difference, particularly with the opera scene there?
It’s a mind jumble there to think that you’re singing in the same place as that piece was written in during the 1700s. I loved being there because there’s a real cultural aspect to singing, it’s ingrained in what they do. The Welsh will sing at the drop of a hat. They’re all super into it and it’s amazing. It’s a bit tougher there as well, there are so many singers who really want it and you have to be prepared and be tough.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in this production?
Hanging with my mates, I love that part of it and getting to create work for people to come and see. When you get the right people in the room, things absolutely flourish. I’ve done quite a few performances with Ashlynn, playing Dido, she’s a person who is so experienced in what she does. It’s nice to get to work with someone that you feel so comfortable with. It automatically takes down a barrier for creating art.
I did one show a couple of years ago with the director Humphrey Bower and I absolutely loved with working with him. I love how deep he goes into the text and into the characters, because he’s got so much experience in other art forms I can pick his brain about acting and writing. He’s just a marvel of a guy to talk to.
The space we’re using, Government House Ballroom, is something slightly different from what we normally do. It allows us to make and create something new within these spaces. It gives audiences a new experience. I think that’s going to be one of the best things. I think it’s a great experience for people who are new to opera, as well as common opera goers. Dido and Aeneas is not a show that comes around that often, especially in a new environment. Also, there’s dinner involved as well and who doesn’t like dinner?
You can see Lachlann in Dido and Aeneas at Government House Ballroom from May 9-12.