Opera Comes to School
Primary pupils meet ‘The Bewitched Child.’
Over 500 youngsters from all over Wirral had their first taste of Opera when the
European Opera Company staged their production of Maurice Ravel’s L’Enfant et
les Sortileges at the Bushell Hall in Birkenhead School.
The 45 minute piece tells of a spoilt child who destroys his bedroom in a
tantrum, only to find that the objects he has so abused come to life to teach
him a lesson. He then meets a series of animals in the garden, and by taking
pity on an injured squirrel he learns to consider the feelings of others.
This moral tale, sung entirely in French, was enlivened by some strong costumes
and playful staging. It was obviously appreciated, as there was a torrent of
questions for the cast at the end, including: ‘How do you remember all the
words?’ and ‘Do you really speak French?’
The visiting children were welcomed by John Clark, Headmaster of Birkenhead
School, who also complimented them on their excellent manners and behaviour
during the performance.
The following schools participated: St Saviours, Oxton; New Brighton Primary;
West Kirby Primary; Merton House; Greenleas Primary; St Bridget’s; The Firs;
Heswall Prep and Birkenhead Prep.
European Opera Company is based at Liverpool Hope University. Recruiting from across the EU, it has recently toured in Greece, Cyprus, and Russia. It is the official resident Opera Company of the 2008 City of Culture.
