Heaton was fortunate to be offered a design workshop and the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal of Bizet's Carmen at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

The Workshop

NZ kindly offered 25 students the opportunity to learn  from Chris, a professional set designer and Pam, a costume designer. The workshop was lead by Anna from NZ Opera.

The students were divided into 4 groups, a mixture of year 7s and 8s. They were introduced to the story of Carmen and listened to some of the famous music. Students were encouraged to make their own interpretation of the story and chose to design a costume for a main character.

Our workshop coincided with Matariki so we decided to have  shared morning teas of baking inspired by Matariki, or, to help set the scene, Spain.

A full-scale costume was produced in calico and a small scale set model was made.

Two groups chose Carmen and two groups chose Micaela to dress. All but one group set Carmen in Spain, the fourth group set their version in Scotland. 

The workshop was an amazing experience. Everyone learnt so much from the tutors. We heard about the many different shows they had worked on and they were clearly passionate about their jobs. Their current show is the new Sound of Music.

Nearly 20 students and some parents were able to watch the Opera with a greater understanding of the staging and costume design. It was a fabulous production and a very special evening out, despite the weather!

Thanks to Miss Rogers for helping at the theatre.

There was only room at the Isaac Theatre Royal for one of the set and costume designs to be displayed. We were very proud to see our Scottish Lass on show for all the audiences to see.

We would all like to thank Anna, Pam, Chris and NZ Opera for this incredible opportunity.

Fiona Taylor

The Opera

It was chilly, rainy, hailing, and there was a surely predicted possibility of snow. However, that didn't stop the enthusiastic students, teachers, and parents alike to enjoy a night of Opera.

We met in the foyer, a great chandelier hanging above us. After streaming upstairs to the First floor, we noticed the Opera workshops exhibition. Each presentation consisted of a costume, a miniature set, and an accompanying poster that explains the story and inspiration of the design. South Christchurch Intermediate School created a slightly altered Carmen where she works at a Casino called Cloud Casino. Heaton Normal Intermediate School presented the Carmen story set in Scotland. Carmen there works at a tweed factory rather than a cigarette factory. We even translated the name Carmen to sound more Scottish. Candice the Scottish lass she is!

I thoroughly enjoyed the night at the Opera! Overall it was breathtaking. There was a carefully selected vocal cast, including the charismatic talented mezzo-soprano Nino Surguladze portraying the vibrant, flirty, free-spirited Carmen, and the superb boy chorus. The whole community assisted in the creation of the Carmen Opera, including the magical dedicated Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, lighting, costumes, scene (set), and much more.

I appreciate the generosity and opportunities New Zealand Opera provides to school children to unveil the enchanting world of Opera. Pam, Anna and Chris from the Opera workshop guided us through this amazing journey together with Mrs Taylor and other Heaton staff, who endlessly worked behind the scenes and making our unforgettable experience possible.

Many thanks,

Elle-Roze room 18