The plot is based on the historical events surrounding the Dutch sailing vessel Batavia's 1629 sinking and massacre of the shipwreck survivors.
The opera premiered on 11 May 2001 at the State Theatre (Melbourne) for the Centenary of Federation Festival.
The work lasts for about three hours and ten minutes with one interval.
The CD recording was captured at the State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne, on the 11 & 13 May 2001.
For a synopsis and review of the Melbourne premiere performance, see For a synopsis and review of the Perth performance, see For Bruce Martin's reflections on creating the role of Francisco Pelsaert, see