Created by Dumbworld in co-production with Irish National Opera, Music Theatre Wales will be screening three digital operas in Cardiff and Haverfordwest in June.
Words and direction by John McIlduff with music by Brian Irvine and presented in association with Cardiff Singer of the World 2023 this is opera as activism, projected on walls as street art. These operas may make you laugh, but they will also make you demand change. This is a new series of three street art operas which reflect on the environmental disaster we are facing, and the lack of serious climate action.
WON’T BRING BACK THE SNOW
A father and daughter polar bear are scavenging bins looking for something to eat. The daughter has an idea: This little white ass, gonna pay for our dinner!
TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS
Is it all Bla Bla Bla? With a mountain of paper representing yet another breakthrough deal, the politicians celebrate their “achievements” and relieve themselves against a wall, drowning in their own satisfaction.
REVIVAL
A wasteland. Children in gas masks. Decay. But children believe there is a future, and plant seeds that will grow into wondrous, colourful plants.
All presentations will take place outdoors, with the audience listening to the operas on wireless headphones provided.
MTW will also be hosting training provided by Dumbworld, the creators of The Scorched Earth Trilogy – John McIlduff and Brian Irvine - for Welsh artists, music creators, filmmakers, and animators. The idea is to inspire the creation of future Street Art Operas presenting the stories, ideas and campaigns of your choice for locations across Wales – as community events or wider public exposition - on a wall, a doorway, a shed or hillside of your choice!
“MTW is all about re-imagining opera and this is exactly what these Street Art Operas do - making opera in a new way, using it as a pro-active and communicative force that can explore current and relevant issues and sharing it with anyone and everyone. Like any piece of street art - The Scorched Earth Trilogy has a message for us that might just play on our emotions: Our world is in an ecological crisis and what are we doing about it?” Michael McCarthy, Artistic Director Music Theatre Wales.
“Music Theatre Wales have always been known for their innovative and creative approach, and I’m delighted that for the 40th anniversary edition of Cardiff Singer we will be associated with this exciting venture. I can’t wait to see these performances and hear our audience’s responses to them!!” David Jackson, Cardiff Singer of the World.
For further information keep an eye on the Music Theatre Wales website – www.musictheatre.wales.