Women of the Windrush by Shirley J. Thompson
and
Chips off the old block by Streetwise Opera
An electrifying performance by soprano Abigail Kelly of Shirley J. Thompson’s celebratory opera Women of the Windrush, portraying inspirational narratives from the lives of women who travelled to the UK from the West Indies between the 1940s and the 1960s.
Experience the vibrant fusion of Caribbean rhythms and opera, in this uplifting show that celebrates the courage and resilience of the women of the Windrush generation. Thompson’s music, interwoven with extraordinary documentary film footage, will leave you feeling inspired, moved and utterly spellbound.
The evening begins with a special premiere of Chips off the old block, a 15 minute opera inspired by the muisc of composers of African and Caribbean heritage.
The piece, in which the pursuit of love, fish and chip, and a loo…brings together a gopur of strangers, and was co-created by performeners from award-winning homelessness charity Streetwise Opera and a remarkable group of world-class artists: writer Paterson Joseph, composer David Austin Grey, director Beth Kapila, designer Debbie Duru and dramaturg Carol Leeming.
Following the opera we will hear from some of the artists involved in the creative process.
This event is part of Streetwise Opera’s Re:Discover festival, which also features pop-up recitals, interactive workshops, talks and an exhibition on 18 and 19 July at the Nottingham Playhouse. Find out more at streetwiseopera.org/projects/rediscover.