- Published:
- Friday 22 May 2015
Students in 85 primary schools across the state will have the chance to experience the magic of opera as part of Opera Australia’s 2015 Victorian Primary Schools tour of Hansel and Gretel.
Launching the tour today at Port Melbourne Primary School, Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, said the production, based on the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale, is part of Opera Australia’s commitment to introducing new audiences to opera and opening up access to this classic art form.
Between May and September Hansel and Gretel, a special 60 minute performance developed by Opera Australia for young audiences, will be seen by more than 20,000 students from regional and metropolitan communities across the state.
The tour also includes 11 performances for the deaf and hearing impaired community using Auslan Shadow Interpreting. Opera Australia is a pioneer of this technique, which places interpreters on stage as part of the cast, allowing deaf and hearing impaired children to experience the performances.
Opera Australia began its annual Victorian primary schools touring program in 1998. By the end of this year, over 500,000 Victorian children will have experienced opera through the program, many for the first time.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“The benefits of a rich arts education are many, from improved literacy and numeracy to enhanced communication and problem solving skills.”
“Opera Australia’s 2015 Victorian Primary Schools Tour will give students across the state the opportunity to experience the wonders of opera while adding another dimension to classroom learning in music and drama”