Page to Stage: The Marriage of Figaro - Suzanne

The Marriage of Figaro was written shortly before the French Revolution by the Frenchman Beaumarchais, and caused uproar when first produced with its questioning of the rights and privileges of the upper classes. It managed to both shock and delight audiences, and of course was a huge success.

The 1998 production, directed by Neil Armfield, launched QPAC’s Playhouse, and fielded an impressive cast of Queenslanders with Leah Purcell as Suzanne, Geoffrey Rush as Figaro and Bille Brown as the Count.

The production mixed traditional period and contemporary elements in the set design, although the costumes were recognisably period in style. The black brocade and lace trimmed dress was worn originally by Robyn Nevin as the Countess, disguised as Suzanne in the final act.