The Divorce

The Divorce is an engaging Australian comedic opera television series that aired in 2015. It serves as an intriguing and innovative blend of music and drama, attracting audiences who are fans of both genres. The Divorce is developed by Joanna Murray-Smith, a renowned Australian playwright and novelist, and Brett Dean, a leading Australian composer. Directed by Dean Murphy and produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), this mini-series presents an extraordinary approach to a popular theme - divorce- in a tuneful, funny, and at times, heartfelt manner.

The storyline unfolds over four episodes, each lasting thirty minutes. It begins as Iris (Marina Prior), an affluent upper-class woman, and her husband of several years, Jed (John Howard), plan a grand party to announce their amicable divorce with grace and dignity. Iris is a narcissistic and self-centred woman who has lost her marital interest in Jed and is now involved with another man. Jed, on the other hand, is a lovable, easy-going guy who, despite everything, has deep feelings for Iris. But with a suave new lover, a resentful daughter, and a bunch of eccentric friends, their hope for an uncomplicated divorce celebration becomes a complicated melodramic extravaganza.

The guest list for the party includes their close friends- Lily (Kate Miller-Heidke) and Patrick (Peter Cousens), Rebecca (Lisa McCune) and Rowan (Hugh Sheridan), Caroline (Christine Anu) and William (Matthew McFarlane). The characters each have their own unique personality which contributes to the enjoyment of the viewing experience. For instance, Lily is a drama queen with a competitive streak in her nature, while her husband is a seemingly dim-witted golf freak. Caroline is a kind and thoughtful lady, whose husband William is a lovable jester, while Rebecca is a bitter, jealous female, always entangled with her reckless and flirtatious husband, Rowan. This ensemble of diverse personas further entangles the complicated matrimonial situation.

All these characters appear on the screen with their personal baggage and simmering resentments, which surface as they cope with the unfolding situation. Their personal stories, endless gossips, dirty secrets, and the revelation of various hidden skeletons add an extra spin to the narrative, making the plot more engaging and intriguing. The unfolding series of hilarious, painful, and outrageous events push the characters to their emotional extremes, making the party an unforgettable affair for the guests and viewers alike!

The Divorce also stands out because of its innovative format - a comedic operetta. It's a modern 'opera on television', making it the first of its kind in Australian television history. It breaks away from the conventional operatic notions, showcasing an unconventional, contemporary musical narrative that encompasses astonishingly catchy tunes, compelling dialogues and a varied array of gratingly funny yet emotional numbers. The music in this series is composed by Brett Dean, providing a contemporary and fresh twist on the age-old opera.

Though initially sceptical about whether the general television audience would buy into this genre, the creators had aimed to use this refreshing fusion of music and drama to reinvigorate a classic genre. To their satisfaction, the experiment managed to captivate the audience with the unique combination of music, high drama, impressive cast performances, and well-written script.

One of the noteworthy aspects of The Divorce is its star-studded cast, who happen to be some of the best in the Australian entertainment industry. They showcase exemplary talents in both acting and singing, bringing the narrative and the delightful combination of bittersweet and comedic moments to life.

Visually, the cinematography is stunning, the sets and costumes are opulent and the attention to detail is noteworthy. The Divorce offers an enriching experience through its distinguished approach to storytelling that is both familiar and new.

There’s much to love about The Divorce. It's not just an entertaining mini-series but also an attempt to introduce new methods of storytelling. It cleverly navigates humour, heartbreak, friends, lovers, and family into an appealing narrative that resonates beyond its colourful musical backdrop. If you love music, drama, and are ready for a show that surprises you at each turn, then The Divorce offers a delightful escape from traditional television viewing.