A new partnership between State Opera South Australia (SOSA) and Lutheran Care is giving audiences the opportunity to experience the magic of world class opera while also helping South Australians experiencing homelessness.
With State Opera South Australia’s enchanting season of Hansel & Gretel scheduled to run for four thrilling theatrical nights in August, both SOSA and Lutheran Care are pleased to announce that $10 from every ticket sold through this dedicated Lutheran Care online booking link will be directed to Lutheran Care’s A Path Out of Homelessness Drive.
This campaign was launched following the loss of nearly $40,000 in flexible funding for our Divert homelessness program that helped individuals and families at risk of homelessness remain housed and move out of emergency situations into safer, more secure futures.
While Lutheran Care is not a housing provider, it plays a vital role in preventing homelessness through early intervention, tenancy sustainment and practical support that helps people maintain housing and rebuild their lives.
The Path Out of Homelessness Drive is now seeking new partnerships and innovative funding opportunities to grow a dedicated homelessness prevention fund that helps people at two critical moments—before they lose their housing and as they establish a home after homelessness.
The partnership with SOSA brings together two long-standing South Australian organisations with strong community connections and a shared commitment to enriching lives in different ways.
“In our Golden Jubilee Anniversary Year, State Opera South Australia is thrilled to be partnering with Lutheran Care, an organisation who like us, exists to enhance and improve the lives of South Australians,” State Opera Executive Director Mark Taylor said.
“We really hope that the public will take advantage of this opportunity for Lutheran Care to benefit from $10 from every ticket sold through the dedicated booking link and that we will see everyone at our wonderful production of Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel this month.”
All performances of Hansel & Gretel will be held at Her Majesty’s Theatre at 7.30pm from 21–29 August and is reimagined on the haunting original by the Brothers Grimm, bringing to life a timeless story of courage, cunning and the triumph of self-reliance.
Performed entirely in German (surtitles in English) and accompanied by Engelbert Humperdinck’s lush, Wagnerian score played by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, it is Hansel and Gretel as you’ve never seen it before — raw, riveting and deeply human.
A fairy tale not just for children, but for anyone who’s ever had to face their fears – and find their way home.
Lutheran Care’s Head of Brand, Communications and Partnerships Katrina Ranford said the collaboration demonstrates how organisations from different sectors can work together to create meaningful community outcomes.
“Learning that we have recently lost $40,000 in funding that was previously available to cover necessities such as furniture or essential repairs, to help people step out of homelessness or maintain their housing, was a huge blow,” Ms Ranford said.
“This partnership is a wonderful example of South Australian organisations using their strengths to benefit the wider community.”
Ms Ranford encouraged the community to enjoy a night out for a good cause while also supporting the arts, and thanked SOSA for the opportunity to be a Community Partner.
“State Opera creates extraordinary cultural experiences that bring people together. By directing proceeds from ticket sales purchased through our dedicated link to the Path Out of Homelessness Drive, every audience member can contribute to helping someone keep their home or start again,” Ms Ranford said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to State Opera for embracing this partnership and helping us introduce Lutheran Care to new audiences while showcasing the important role collaboration can play in strengthening our community.”
Ms Ranford said the recent loss of flexible funding highlighted just how important community partnerships had become.
“Lutheran Care is fortunate to have a loyal community of donors who continue to support us, many despite facing their own cost-of-living pressures. We are deeply grateful for their generosity,” Ms Ranford said.
“But demand continues to grow, and we simply can’t meet that challenge alone. We’re inviting businesses, philanthropic organisations and community leaders to partner with us because together we can help more people stay safely housed, help more families start again, and ensure fewer South Australians fall through the cracks.
“The funding we lost wasn’t about bricks and mortar, it’s about having the flexibility to respond to individual needs when people were at risk of losing their housing or needed help establishing a new home with essential household items including beds, furniture and whitegoods.“
Performances of Hansel & Gretel will be held at 7.30pm on:
- Friday, 21 August
- Tuesday, 25 August
- Thursday, 27 August
- Saturday, 29 August
The story you know, helping the community you love, at the opera you’ll never forget.
MEDIA CONTACT: Please contact Katrina Ranford on 0420 786 782 or kranford@lutherancare.org.au