Women at the House
In celebration of International Women’s Day, this exhibition shares stories of women who have made their mark at the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Opera House workers (1964-01-01/1968-12-31) by Max Dupain, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSWSydney Opera House
The idea of an opera house
In January 1957, Danish architect Jørn Utzon won an international design competition for an opera house on Bennelong Point, a project championed by Labor NSW Premier Joe Cahill. Yet the opera house was still just an idea without political commitment.
Cahill faced pressure over funding within his own party. There was opposition from the outset and a call for “homes before opera”. But the women of Australian Labor Party galvanised the political will and solved the funding problem.
Diana Luxton Messara, Interior Design
Diana Luxton Messara was the interior designer from 1967 to late 1971. Led by design architect Peter Hall, Diana played a key role in the design of the auditoria seating. She also prepared furnishing and fitting schedules for 1500 rooms.
Auditoria seating scale models in development (1968) by Diana Luxton MessaraSydney Opera House
Diana Luxton Messara interview clip, 17 April 2023 describes the influences of the design of the auditoria seating and her experience working at the Opera House.
Architect Anita Levy (1969) by UnknownSydney Opera House
Anita Levy, Architect
Anita Levy studied architecture at Sydney University. With her keen eye, she developed detailed drawings for the Drama Theatre, Playhouse and Exhibition Hall, dressing rooms and bathrooms.
Elizabeth Butcher, Former Chair
In 1989, Elizabeth Butcher was appointed the first woman chair of the Opera House Trust, after more than 30 years of operation. She was a prominent arts administrator, holding positions on a variety of arts and cultural boards.
Rhoda Roberts AO, Former Trustee
Rhoda Roberts AO, a Widjabul Wia-bul woman of the Bundjalung Nation, had a near two-decade career at the Opera House. She was a Trustee and the inaugural Head of First Nations Programming. She created Opera House programming centrepieces DanceRites and Badu Gili.
Sydney Opera House, Front of House uniforms (2018) by Daniel BoudSydney Opera House
Railea Albert, Fashion Designer
The first uniform for the usherettes, program sellers and cloakroom attendants was designed by local Sydney fashion designer Railea Albert.
She chose this simple but elegant mock-bolero pinafore.
Model in the original uniform (1973) by UnknownSydney Opera House
Kit Lee, Front of House
When Kit Lee joined the Opera House in 1974, she was given a role as usher in the Concert Hall.
She would have worn this uniform modelled here in Women's Day magazine. The Concert Hall remains Kit's favourite space after more than 50 years of service.
Kit Lee by UnknownSydney Opera House
Kit Lee
Kit Lee interview clip, 25 February 2020 describing her favourite part of the building, the Concert Hall.
Helen Donaldson, Former Electrical Fitter/Mechanic
Apprentice Helen Donaldson joined the Opera House in 1981 as an electrical fitter/mechanic, working in the Services Engineer’s Department. One of the department’s regular tasks was to check the more than 2,200 doors and about 20,000 light fittings.
Sydney Opera House Ladies Committee
The Ladies Committee was established to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Opera House throughout its construction. Committee members brought with them important connections and networks. The group continues to this day supporting the work of the Opera House.
Joan Sutherland portrait by Judy Cassab (2025) by Daniel BoudSydney Opera House
Judy Cassab, Artist
Soon after the opening in 1973, Judy Cassab, one of Australia’s most sought-after portrait artists, was commissioned by the Opera House.
Her portraits of Joan Sutherland and Robert Helpmann were unveiled in the Opera Theatre (now Joan Sutherland Theatre) southern foyers in 1976.
The fashion of the Opera House
On 20 October 1973, the opening night of the Opera House attracted everybody who was anybody including a host of international guests. Those fortunate enough to receive an invite to the evening concert planned their elaborate gowns months ahead.
The Opera House is a place where fashion is on show, from classic haute couture to the latest experimental fashions, and everything in between.
Beril Jents, Fashion Designer
Elegant, luxurious gowns were designed especially for the Opera House by Beril Jents, Australia’s “queen of haute couture”. She started with a shop in Charing Cross but soon achieved success at home. Later, her clients included stars Winifred Atwell and Robert Helpmann.
A place to shine
Up-and-coming Sydney dancer and choreographer Julia Cotton was given the opportunity to stage her work during the opening season of The Australian Ballet in 1974. The ballet was a gentle nostalgic send-up of the 1930s, complete with gangsters, film stars and Superman.
Bangarra 30 Years (2019) by Daniel BoudSydney Opera House
From the earliest days, the Opera House has showcased First Nations performance. The 1974 Drama Theatre season included Cradle of Hercules, commissioned by the Old Tote Theatre.
The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre, Warumuk – in the dark night (2012) by Jeff Busby, Bangarra Dance TheatreSydney Opera House
In 2004, Bangarra Dance Theatre (formed in 1989), became a resident company.
Frances Rings, Artistic Director and Co-CEO
Frances Rings joined Bangarra in 1993 as a performer and made her mainstage choreographic debut in 2002 with Rations from Walkabout, receiving outstanding critical acclaim. In 2023, Frances became the Artistic Director and Co-CEO.
Musical theatre legends
In 1994, a powerhouse quartet of musical theatre women came together at the Opera House to perform Legends: An Evening of Musical Autobiography. Written by performer Kerrie Biddell, the show also starred Toni Lamond, Jeanne Little and Nancye Hayes.
Helen Reddy by UnknownSydney Opera House
Helen Reddy
Sunday Night at the Sydney Opera House was a regular feature from October 1973 to March 1974. Helen Reddy headlined the 11 November show. She was beginning to enjoy international success, with her signature hit I Am Woman topping the charts.
Sabah
Jeanette Georges Feghali performed as Sabah across Egypt and Lebanon. She specialised in Lebanese folk traditional music and in films took on comedic and romantic roles.
In 1974, Sabah appeared at the Opera House performing traditional music to a sold-out Concert Hall.
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