Revenge, love, and betrayal are the classic themes of opera: an art known for its grand emotions.

But what sort of grand emotion does it take to seek revenge on Attila, one of the greatest warlords the world has ever known.

In a new production of Verdi's Attila, the setting has been moved to 1930s, but the fierce Odabella remains set on the death of the king.

Natalie Aroyan is a principal artist with Opera Australia and in the Drawing Room she talks about taking on the role of Odabella.