Every element of this original song and music video were created in tribute to the spirit and creative bravery of the Sydney Opera House. From our provocative and ironic message to the surprise artist cameos and carefully orchestrated interplay of dance, music, history and architecture, every element of the construction of this film is intended to move and inspire audiences, creating the same feeling of awe towards the house that the world first felt on its unveiling 50 years ago.

There are two Australias.

On the one hand, there’s the enduring myth of the larrikin. The one who’ll never let the rules get in the way of what’s right, and who’ll break rank with a cheeky smile on their face. Bold, brave, brash. This is how Australia likes to see itself.

On the other hand, though, there’s the real Australia. The nervous, conservative country defined by the phenomenon known as ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’. If anyone becomes too bold, too outspoken, too successful – if any poppy grows too tall – we are quick to cut them down to size. We’re suspicious, often resentful, of anyone who breaks rank or challenges convention. Though it was born of noble, egalitarian ambitions, Tall Poppy Syndrome has created a culture that encourages playing it safe and leaving conventions unchallenged.

Australia’s cultural identity is a contradiction – we’re defined by a love of boldness, until we actually see it.

We wanted to appeal to Australia’s best side by taking aim at its worst.

And our lead artist and songwriter was key to delivering our message.

Australian artist Tim Minchin is an internationally renowned Australian comedian, provocateur and songwriter. A passionate advocate of the arts and challenging the status quo, we knew Tim’s experience would give him a unique perspective on resisting conformity and creating provocative work that lives on in culture.

The 50th birthday moment presented the perfect opportunity to celebrate creative bravery and help the public reconnect with their own creative and curious spirit.

Play It Safe is a musical journey from nervous conformity to joyful riot. 

Tim Minchin embodies the listener’s cautious inner voice, imploring us to toe the line and keep it simple – but all the while, winking at what’s possible if we're brave enough not to listen. 

While Tim directs us to play it safe, the action on screen shows the wonders that are possible when you do the opposite. The music video begins inside the House, before scaling the roof and bursting out onto the steps. The colour palette evolves from drab greys and browns to a vibrant kaleidoscope. Cameo appearances from the Opera House’s eight resident companies, as well as a host of treasured Australian performers, serve as further evidence that nothing extraordinary ever came from playing it safe. 

We needed to create a tribute worthy of the Sydney Opera House- one that like the house stands alone as piece of entertainment. A daunting task, it also required us to:

Nod to the past but celebrate the future.

Our solution needed to acknowledge the rich legacy of the Sydney Opera House, while also shining a spotlight on the bright future of Australian creativity.

Incorporate each of the Sydney Opera House’s resident companies:

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Ballet, Bangarra, The Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, The Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Opera Australia, The Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Make people feel like the House belongs to them.

There’s a common misconception that the Sydney Opera House is elitist, or “not for people like me.” Though whatever we created needed to be artful, it also needed to speak to everybody – and urge them to visit.

Written by Australian actor/playwright Tim Minchin who opted to write the whole song as the nervous voice itself, Play It Safe is an ironic tribute to creative bravery, and forms a musical journey from quiet self-doubt, to riotous, joyous self-expression.

The song features performances from Sydney Opera House’s companies: Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra - with the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs in the role of a Greek chorus.

The cast are joined by an ensemble of iconic and emerging artists: rock musician Jimmy Barnes, Indigenous composer William Barton, soprano Cathy-di Zhang, emerging stars Kira Piru and Ziggy Ramo, all paying tribute to the House’s pivotal role in the Australian arts community.

Play it safe was based on an idea built to inspire: If we silence the little voice in our heads that tells us to ‘play it safe’ and do the opposite – there’s no limit to what’s possible.