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The Powder Monkey Opera
October 29, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Powder Monkey is a new opera created by Brolly Productions, designer Rachana Jadhav and writer Dominic Hingorani, in collaboration with internally acclaimed Black composer, Errollyn Wallen M.B.E.
The story: Chukwunenye, an African boy of the Igbo people, is the power monkey born on a slave ship and now one voyage away from buying his freedom. As the slave ship nears port on the ‘middle’ passage there is an uprising by the enslaved and he must choose which side he will take; his people or his freedom?
Set on board a slave hip in 1788 this powerful new opera engages with the ‘sensitive’ history of Britain’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and places the Black male character of the ‘powder monkey’ centre stage of this diverse cast.
The Power Monkey opens up the classical opera form by infusing the score with traditional music and languages of West Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the folk forms of Northern England and the maritime creole work songs by classically trained musicians from those Asian and African traditions. It features instruments such as the kora, sitar and djembe.
The opera excitingly integrates live performance, music and animation to create a stunning spectacle that engages with the rich musical diversity of contemporary Britain to bring new audiences to opera.
Tickets are £6 and show times are at 1 pm and 7 pm. Visitors should arrive at the main entrance where someone will greet you. You should arrive at least 15 minutes early and enter via the visitor entrance to check in.
The opera is of 60 minutes duration and is suitable for those aged 10+.
To buy tickets click here.
There is also opportunity to have dinner on the Mess Deck – a main meal, dessert and tea or coffee for £14.75. Dinner will be served at 5.30 pm.
Menu: Choose from Traditional Fish & Chips (gluten free poached Cod option available), Kent Farmhouse Sausage & Marsh (Vegetarian option available) or Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Tart & Salad (Gluten free option available). The meal will then be followed by Strawberry Cheesecake and a choice of tea or coffee.
To book for dinner email Sammy Edwards with your meal options, name, contact number and booking reference no.