In response to a strange signal, two astronauts, Jefferson and Harris, land on an unknown planet expecting to find a world of new and exciting creatures. Instead they find the planet inhabited by a solitary, grouchy alien who sneers at the idea of searching for intelligent life in the universe. “The universe is universally boring,” he declares. “Now, please leave!” Jefferson is happy to leave the arrogant extraterrestrial to his own devices but the more sensitive Harris suspects that his rudeness is just a cover-up for loneliness. Harris is, of course, right. In the end, the astronauts manage to persuade the lonely alien that life and the universe are both exciting and the best way to explore both is with friends.

Opera Queensland has enjoyed an enviable reputation for over 14 years as the principal provider of high-quality, purpose-designed opera/music theatre productions and other educational activities to schools. Space Encounters gives children a positive experience of an artform that may be new to them, offering a fantastic introduction to opera and theatrical storytelling through music and voice. Performed by four artists from Opera Queensland (a baritone, a soprano and a mezzo-soprano, with live piano accompaniment), the performances and production values are outstanding.

Space Encounters is composed by Sean O’Boyle and written by Ian McFadyen for young people (Years P – 8). Opera Queensland is thrilled to present this exciting new production to Queensland students.

Themes
Space Encounters explores themes such as freedom, collaboration, negotiation and acceptance.

When                       
Term 3 and 4 – 2010

Age Group
Years P-8

Curriculum Links           
The Arts: Arts Responses and Appreciation, Arts in Society.
English: Listening, Viewing.
H & PE: Knowledge and Understandings, Self-Management Skills, Interpersonal Skills.
SOSE: Positive Relations and Interactions, Culture and Identity.

Performance information           

• Duration 50 minutes, plus a 10-minute post-show question and answer session. An edited version is available for Special Schools on request.
• The show requires a playing area of minimum 6 metres square with a clear height of 2.5 metres, and power supply for an electronic keyboard.
• Artists require approximately 1 hour before the show to unpack and erect the set and 1 hour to pack it up again at the conclusion of the performance..

Cost           
$6 per student, $12 for three or more students from the same family.
(GST does not apply to Opera Queensland productions).

Resources
A free comprehensive Teachers’ Resource Kit is provided upon confirmation of booking.

Contact
For more information contact Opera Queensland’s Education Logistics Co-ordinator, Jane Eastwood on (07) 3735 3043 or email elc@operaqueensland.com.au