The World Premiere of Three Children’s Operas
Into Opera has been working with three primary schools in Norwich as part of 2-year artistic residency Inspiring a Creative Revolution in Primary Schools. These three operas have been co-created with these schools over four months of collaborative workshops.
The School For Explorers
A new opera created with St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School
4.00pm Tuesday 11 July 2023
5.30pm Tuesday 11 July 2023 (Double Bill with There’s a Dinosaur in the Playground!)
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At the School for Explorers pupils spend their days planning the adventures they will take in life and the discoveries they dream of making. On the final day of the year they face their examinations… how will they respond when unexpected challenges come their way?
An empowering story about dreams and aspiration, a celebration of ethnic and cultural diversity, and the power of education to inspire hearts and minds.
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Composer, Music Director and Conductor Michael Betteridge
Librettist & Director Genevieve Raghu
Movement Director Natasha Khamjani
Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Ben Ormerod
Associate Director Callie Nestleroth
National Symphony Orchestra
BOX OFFICE
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Tickets can be bought online
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PERFORMANCE DATES
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The School for Explorers
4.00pm Tuesday 11 July 2023
5.30pm Tuesday 11 July 2023
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There’s a Dinosaur in the Playground!
5.30pm Tuesday 11th July 2023
5.30pm Wednesday 12th July 2023
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The Books that Disappeared
4.00pm Wednesday 12 July 2023
5.30pm Wednesday 12 July 2023
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LOCATION
The Octagon Barn, Little Plumstead, Norwich NR13 5FH
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The Grounds of The Octagon Park will open for picnics 90 minutes ahead of all performances
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A bar will be open selling drinks at all performances.
(Please note that no alcohol can be brought on site by audiences members)
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Free parking is available at the venue.
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There’s a Dinosaur in the Playground!
A new opera created with The Bawburgh School
5.30pm Tuesday 11th July 2023 (Double Bill with The School For Explorers)
5.30pm Wednesday 12th July 2023 (Double Bill with The Books The Disappeared)
On an average Monday morning… a young dinosaur appears in the playground of a small, rural primary school. What should the children do? Where did this dinosaur come from? Does this dinosaur want to join their school?
A story that explores and celebrates the importance of empathy, kindness, diversity and acceptance, and the importance of communities pulling together and supporting each other.
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Composer, Music Director and Conductor Michael Betteridge
Librettist & Director Genevieve Raghu
Movement Director Jasmine Ricketts
Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Ben Ormerod
Associate Director Callie Nestleroth
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National Symphony Orchestra
The Books That Disappeared
A new opera created with Sprowston Junior School
4.00pm Wednesday 12 July 2023
5.30pm Wednesday 12 July 2023 (Double Bill with There’s a Dinosaur in the Playground!)
Where did all the books go? One morning, children look around their school and realise that every single book has disappeared. They can uncover no reason as to why this would happen. Together, they battle with the consequences! What should they do? How will they fill these empty shelves?
A story celebrating stories! We explore how stories can inspire, educate, entertain and help us to understand the world and each other. Crucially, however, this is a story which celebrates children’s ideas and creativity, and the importance and power of children’s voices.
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Composer, Music Director and Conductor Michael Betteridge
Librettist & Director Genevieve Raghu
Movement Director Jasmine Ricketts
Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Ben Ormerod
Associate Director Callie Nestleroth
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National Symphony Orchestra
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These operas have been created as a result of a generous grant from Anguish's Education Foundation.
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