Using opera to tell a story
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can talk about what opera is and how it is used to tell a story
Key learning points
- Opera is a way of telling stories through singing.
- Opera brings together dramatic singing, acting, dance, & art to create a multi-sensory live experience of storytelling.
- We can use our singing voices to convey how our character is feeling.
- Singing the words clearly help the audience to understand the story.
- We can show the relationship between two characters by the way they respond to each other.
Keywords
Opera - a form of storytelling using dramatic singing, acting, costume and design and sometimes dance
Libretto - a book containing the words (and sometimes stage directions) that the opera performers will use
Duet - a performance by two singers, musicians or dancers
Orchestra - a large musical ensemble, combining instruments from the string, woodwind and percussion families
Common misconception
Opera is boring and only for older, wealthier people. It's mainly people singing in high voices in languages we might not understand.
Opera can be performed anywhere, for anyone, and in many different languages. There are operas suitable for all age groups and they combine drama, comedy, singing, dance, music and design. Opera can be a great genre for exciting storytelling.
Teacher tip
Allow pupils to explore what they think opera is at the start and end of the lesson. The warm-ups are key to early character development and will give pupils a hook for developing characters. Anyone can be a Hansel or Gretel, allow choice based on the character, eg. 'cheeky' or 'enthusiastic'.
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