A series of 15 minute operas co-created with Streetwise opera performers and librettist Paterson Joseph, exploring the music from the works of seven composers of African and Caribbean heritage - Joseph Bologne, Ignatius Sancho, George Bridgetower, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Margaret Bonds, Florence Price and Dr. Shirley J. Thompson.
We designed a frame that could tour and respond to each new opera. Manchester made use of a fabric membrane that became a screen, and gateway from dreamer to dream. The same membrane was used in Nottingham and attached to the inside of the framework to become a mystery light box. We removed the fabric in London and relied on playful stations signs with rules that reimagined how to behave in public.
Performances took place at St John's Waterloo, Bridgewater hall, Manchester and Nottingham Playhouse.
Designer
London - Festival director. Abigail Kelly | Librettist. Paterson Joseph | Director. TD Moyo | Composer. Pete Latanka | Musical director. Aga Serugo-Lugo | LX. PHP production services
Manchester - Festival director. Abigail Kelly | Librettist. Paterson Joseph | Director. Amy Hailwood | Musical director. Jonathan Ainscough | LX. PHP production services.
Nottingham - Festival director. Abigail Kelly | Librettist. Paterson Joseph | Director. Beth Kapila | Musical director. Tim Lole | LX. Laura Wolczyk
