While Hollywood is waiting for Meryl Streep to take on the role of a famous soprano in the new HBO series, celebrated Greek Australian performer Maria Mercedes will be taking on the role of a lifetime as the legendary Greek American opera singer Maria Callas.

With leading roles in the Australian premieres of Nine, Sunset Boulevard and Love Never Dies, as well as films such as Head On and Dreams for Life, Maria
Mercedes takes on one of the greatest challenges of her career in a new production of Terrence McNally’s Tony award-winning play Master Class.

“Maria Callas is my dream role,” says Mercedes, “and I couldn’t be more thrilled to honour the life of a woman I admire not only for her incredible artistry and passion, but for the daring, honest way she lived her life.”

Acting as the launching production of new theatre company Left Bauer, Master Class will be staged at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs in August, and tells the story of Maria Callas’ 1971 visit to New York’s Juilliard School of Music.

“At the time, Callas’ career had drawn to a close, her voice a shadow of its former glory,” says Cameron Lukey, artistic director of the company.

“Six years later, her death at the age of fifty-three sealed her legend as a real life tragic heroine.”

Featuring three of Melbourne’s most exciting young operatic talents, Master Class sees Callas prod and provoke her students in a searing, funny and touching depiction of a woman who knows the sacrifices required to achieve the dream.

“Forty years on, Callas’ story as a woman forced to choose between her professional and personal life remains as relevant as ever,” says Lukey.

The play is on from 19 to 28 August, Tuesdays to Saturday at 8.oo pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee at 4.30pm. For more information, visit www.leftbauerproductions.com/master-class

Prior to the commencement of the season at fourtyfivedownstairs, Gala Preview of “Master Class” will be held at the Hellenic Museum on Saturday 16 August at 7.30pm. To book tickets, visit http://www.hellenic.org.au/special-events or visit www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/events/