An Elephant Singing Opera?

Check out Theatre Direct's upcoming opera for youth, Sanctuary Song. This opera, conceived by playwright Marjorie Chan, with music composed by Abigail Richardson, is based on the remarkable true story of an elephant named Shirley, and her journey from the wild to the circus, the zoo, and finally to freedom in the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. What a unique way for young people to explore the issue of animals in captivity and the meaning of freedom!

Sanctuary Song premiered at the 2008 Luminato Festival and was the winner of a 2009 Outstanding Opera Dora Award. It will be back for a week's worth of performances in February 2012. Teachers can book their class for a daylong program which includes a performance of Sanctuary Song and a workshop that explores the artistic and performance elements used in the play.

You can learn more about Sanctuary Song, (and book your class for a workshop)  at Theatre Direct's website.You can also learn more about Shirley, the real elephant who inspired the story by watching this video.