This program is one part of a three part series of programs dealing with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' production of Brundibar. Each program is "stand alone" and may be viewed individually. A second videonference on November 17 at 10 a.m. Central Time entitled Brundibar: Staging the Production will center on technical elements of the show including set design, costumes, and lighting. An evening program available via television and webstream only will occur on November 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Entitled "Stories of the Holocaust," the program will explore the cultural context of the original performances of the opera at Theresienstadt concentration camp during World War II. Viewers will hear from Ela Weissberger, who appeared in the opera’s original production at the camp, and other Holocaust survivors. For those in St. Louis County and City, the program can be viewed at Charter Cable Channel 26 and UVerse channel 99. For those interested in other parts of the country or world, please log on to http://www.hectv.org and watch the programs over the web. The evening program will be interactive, and we welcome your e-mail questions sent to
live@hectv.org.
Education: Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Ever wanted to know what it's like to be part of a professional opera experience? To go inside the rehearsal space and ask actors and directors questions while they work? To find out about their creative process? To see how an opera production comes to life? Find out by joining us live from the rehearsal space of Opera Theatre of St. Louis as they prepare for their upcoming production of the young person’s opera Brundibar. Meet music director Greg Ritchey, stage director Doug Scholz-Carlson, and members of the cast. View a scene from the production. Hear music from the show. Ask your questions of the young people in the cast to find out what it’s like to sing in such a production and to act out their role. Ask the music and stage directors how they conduct rehearsals, teach the music, block the show, and help the young actors with their performances. Cost for the program is FREE.
About the Opera:
Brundibár was written in 1938-39 by Czech composer Hans Krása. The opera is written for an all childrens cast and is a classic tale of good overcoming evil. Brundibár is famous for having been performed in the Nazi ghetto camp of Theresienstadt during World War II. Brundibár was first performed in 1942 at a Jewish orphanage in Prague. By 1943, most of those involved in the production, including the composer, conductor, and all of the children from the orphanage, had been sent to Theresienstadt, where thousands were sent before their fatal transport to Auschwitz. Krása decided to revive Brundibár at the camp as a way to distract himself and the children from the fear and depravity that they woke up to every day. This was permitted by the camp authorities and used for propaganda purposes when representatives from the Red Cross were taken to a performance in an attempt to depict conditions in the camp as humane. The children cherished their moments in costume, which were the only time that they did not have to wear the yellow Jewish star, a visible symbol of Nazi oppression. One survivor described those moments in costume as, “a couple of minutes of freedom.” Brundibár was performed 55 times in Theresienstadt between 1943 and 1945 when the camp was liberated.
The story features two children, Aninka and Pepicek, who have a sick mother who needs milk to get better. They do not have money to buy it, so they decide to imitate the organ-grinder, Brundibár, and raise the necessary funds by singing just as he does. Other children join them in forming a chorus and singing a beautiful lullaby. They are then rewarded with generous donations from the neighborhood.
Other Related Programs:
In addition to this videoconference, a second videoconference on the technical elements of the production (set, costumes, lights, etc.) will occur on November 17 at 10 a.m. Central Time from the opera’s performance space at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. You and your students are also invited to participate in two television and webcast evening programs related to Brundibar. On November 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. Central Time, HEC-TV Live! will explore the cultural context of the original performances of the opera at Theresienstadt concentration camp with its program entitled Stories of the Holocaust. Viewers will hear from Ela Weissberger, who appeared in the opera’s original production at the camp, and other Holocaust survivors. On November 19, you can be part of the gala opening night performance of the opera at the Touhill Performing Arts Center by joining us for a red carpet program from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Central Time. For those in St. Louis County and City, the programs on November 16 and 19 can be viewed at Charter Cable Channel 26 and UVerse channel 99. For those interested in other parts of the country or world, please log on to http://www.hectv.org and watch the programs over the web. Both evening programs will be interactive, and we welcome your e-mail questions sent to live@hectv.org.
60 minutes
Program Date Program Time Network Time Registration Deadline
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11/3/2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM 10/30/2009
Interactive Cost: $0.00
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Brundibar: Performing in Opera HEC-TV 2007-08 Honorable Mention Helen Headrick utilization@hectv.org 8390 Delmar Blvd Suite 211 St Louis, MO 63124 United States Phone: (314) 432-3476 Program Series
