Playground Opera 2022 - The Downfall of Don José

Playground Opera makes opera accessible, shows young people that it is entertaining and thought-provoking, and provides an exciting first experience of opera. We partnered with schools in areas of rural or economic deprivation, where children have little access to high-quality culture. 

With fewer restrictions this year, we spent a whole day at each school, involving 1,500 students throughout the process. The 2022 production was a specially written version of Carmen: The Downfall of Don José, abridged to include the essence of the story, some of the most iconic music, and aligned with school values. 

We visited ten schools; ranging from a large inner-city Academy in Gloucester, a middle school in Redditch, and a South Warwickshire special education needs school, to our local rural school in Longborough. 

• 10 state schools participated 
• 366 children participated in the workshops, and performed in the show alongside professional artists
• 1,496 children in total participated or watched the performances, plus all the teaching staff and many parents
• Provided valuable employment to 19 creative practitioners, including 6 Emerging Artists who gained vital experience of touring and working with young people 
• Facilitated access and learning, providing important cultural enrichment for young people, and raising awareness and understanding of opera
• Hundreds of children were shown how to project their singing voices and to express themselves through movement and storytelling
• Increase in confidence, collaboration, and creativity skills
• Expanded young people’s cultural net beyond what they hear on Spotify or see on YouTube
• Developed critical thinking skills
• Changed perceptions of opera ‘It was so amazing; I want to see an opera every term!’ - Student at Moat Academy, Gloucester ‘22
• Increased the cultural capital of the school community 
• Throughout the process, even the most challenged children listened, collaborated, and followed instructions