Matthew Barclay is an opera, theatre and movement director working across Australia and internationally.

His work brings physical storytelling, musical intelligence and clear dramatic architecture to opera, music theatre, large-scale performance and artist training.

Recent projects include work for Sydney Festival, Opera Australia, Melbourne opera, West Australian Opera, freeze frame opera, Kaohsiung International Spring Arts Festival and international young artist programs.

  • ”a fully-fledged exploration of humanity” “a production that is as demanding physically as it is vocally” “the ability to harness the audience’s imagination in creating such onstage pictures is remarkable.”

    Limelight Magazine

    - CHORUS! Opera Australia, Sydney Opera House

    Full Review

  • "The production set in the 1950s loses none of its power due to the very clear story-telling, fluid staging and depth of character... Barclay has produced a fine show.”

    Canberra Critic’s Circle

    - CARMEN Opera Australia, National Tour

    Full Review

  • “Opera Australia has hit the jackpot.”

    Australian Arts Review / CRB

    - CARMEN, Opera Australia, National Tour

    Full Review

  • “exquisite” “magical” “a brilliant conception, in situ, and multiform, like none other.”

    Sydney Arts Review

    - NIGHT SONGS ON CONEY ISLAND, Sydney Festival

    Full Review

  • “Barclay’s choreography swirls and ignites just about every surface.”

    Limelight Magazine

    - CARMEN, Opera Australia, National Tour

    Full Review

  • "the magnificent Opera Australia chorus seized their own destiny to make their own opera from 18 choruses... a narrative of collectivism... talk about a revolution!"

    Sydney Morning Herald

    - CHORUS! Opera Australia, Sydney Opera House

    Full Review

  • "a truly thrilling new production... Barclay handles the relatively confined space of the Athenaeum stage with supreme confidence... compelling dramatic action in this expertly prepared, insightfully directed staging. "

    Simon Parris - Man in Chair

    - IL TROVATORE, Melbourne Opera

    Full Review

  • "In a new, must-see Melbourne Opera production, trovatore is brought to exhilarating life by Matthew Barclay... full-throttle theatre... if you think your heart is up to it, promise yourself you'll go."

    Australian Arts Review

    - IL TROVATORE, Melbourne Opera

    Full Review

  • "For those who love beautiful singing and riveting drama, Melbourne Opera’s production offers an unforgettable experience."

    Classic Melbourne

    - IL TROVATORE, Melbourne Opera

    Full Review
More Reviews

FOR DIRECTION, MOVEMENT DIRECTION AND COLLABORATION

RECENT WORK

WA Opera

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE 2025

WA Opera

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE 2025

CHORUS!

Opera Australia

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 2023

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE 2024

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