‘Operacore’ in Ōtautahi: Editor Nina Tucker
American-French actor Timothée Chalamet’s dismissive claim that no one cares about opera and ballet anymore couldn’t be further from the truth.
Aotearoa’s return of Bizet’s early masterpiece The Pearl Fishers after a 24-year hiatus suggests quite the opposite: opera is more grand and glamorous than ever. The staging from 14 to 18 October at the Isaac Theatre Royal should be in everyone’s spring events diary.
As if in response to Chalamet’s controversial comments, fashion leaders and tastemakers across the world are calling 2026 the year of ‘operacore’ – an aesthetic in ode to the centuries-old performative art. Some of the biggest runway and red carpet moments this year lend themselves to elements of the opera (think opera coats and shows staged in opera houses). As I always say, fashion is art, and its rich history with the art of opera is something I unpack on page 15 in honour of The Pearl Fishers coming to town. Just imagine the pearl-inspired style we’ll see from the crowd on opening night. I can’t wait.
Familiar with a similar kind of glamour, Christchurch-based Georgia Waddington’s Miss Universe New Zealand win in July came as no surprise – the pageant queen shares her journey to the crown from page 10.
On page 8, deputy editor Tamara Pitelen sits down with a crafty Chris Parker (beloved comedian, TV personality and Christchurch boy-done-good) ahead of his show at the James Hay Theatre on 5 September, where he wants you to take a good, hard look at him.
And because a pearl doesn’t come without its oyster, find two delicious recipes, both raw (page 32) and with tempura batter, miso and kelp on page 29.
Plus, a Father’s Day focus before it arrives on Sunday 6 September – beer battered fries (page 35), our foolproof book picks (page 48), and a few local initiatives building great communities for Canterbury men (page 13).
On page 70, a North Canterbury local with an astounding breweriana collection (I’m talking tens of thousands of beer cans covering his shed walls). Stu Reed’s man cave becomes a community hot spot on a Saturday night.
Enjoy the read. Cheers!
