'There's Tawny and There's Golden Saffron, There's Flaxon and There's Blonde' - Retired Opera Australia's Wig Mistress, Shirley Germain

STAGES with Peter Eyers · Dec 5, 2020 · 1h 4m

Shirley Germain was Opera Australia's wig-mistress for 38 years. Her husband, John Germain, was a revered singer with the Company for 40 years, performing many of the great Baritone roles. Commencing her career as a hairdresser, she found that the Opera Company was looking for someone to oversee the preparation and maintenance of the many wigs required in production. It was the second year of its existence. Already associated with the Company, through her husband, the role seemed a perfect fit. The young company made do in various venues around Sydney until 1973 when Opera Australia made the…