John Malkovich's long-awaited Sydney Festival performance of The Giacomo Variations is almost upon us, destined to be one of the most talked-about events of the season. He takes on the role of that most infamous seducer, Casanova, in an 'opera play' written by Michael Sturminger and conducted by Martin Haselbock. The three collaborators also worked on a similar project fusing classical music and brooding theatrical monologues: The Infernal Comedy, in which the womanising anti-hero is quite a different beast. Compelling viewing for Barry Kosky fans, this opera play - for baroque orchestra, two sopranos and actor - is based on the shocking real-life story of Jack Unterweger, a convicted murderer who wrote poetry, short stories, plays, and memoirs in prison. After his early release he went on to murder eleven prostitutes, hanging himself after being found guilty on all counts. Malkovich delivers a haunting portrayal of his complex psychological subject, accompanied by music from Gluck's Don Juan and by Boccherini, Vivaldi, Handel, Weber, Haydn and Mozart. Bonus feature: Inside The Infernal Comedy, documentary including interviews with the artists, rehearsal footage and archive material exploring the life and crimes of Jack Unterweger.