How to attend
- Online: Workshops are presented as easy to consume videos / episodes to be played in class at a time that suits you and run for approximately 30~40 minutes (add time for learning activities). The videos will contain a prepared learning activity for students, focusing on the four main areas of: words, music, direction and design. Details of how to access the viewing portal will be sent prior to the go-live date.
- In-Theatre: Students and teachers attend an in-theatre stage rehearsal to experience how the production takes shape to help consolidate their learning experience of live theatre.
Episode 1: History & Programming (on demand)
Curriculum focus of Drama/Theatre, Music, Humanities and English and German
Meet Education Manager, Katherine Norman & Artistic Director Stuart Maunder in this introductory Episode to Beyond the Stage 2025: Abduction.
Learn more about: what is an Education Manager, the whole Education Portfolio at Victorian Opera, what Beyond the Stage entails, historical information on the original performance and libretto, an introduction to some musical highlights, what is an Artistic Director, programming rationales, key themes of the opera, and why this work is still important today – but will be modernised
Episode 2: Conductor & Director (on demand)
Curriculum focus of Drama/Theatre/German and English
Meet Conductor Chad Kelly as well as Director and Script re-writer Con Costi of Victorian Opera’s Abduction. Learn more about their career pathways to date, how Mozart’s Musical Fireworks are being modernised, adaptations to the musical score, concepts & the relevance of modernisation, and how this creative team collaborate together.
Episode 3: Cast & Costume (on-demand)
Curriculum focus on Drama/Theatre
Meet the five principal singers of Abduction: Osmin Luke Stoker, Konstanze Cleo Lee-McGowan, Belmonte Kyle Stegall, Pedrillo Douglas Kelly and Blonde Katherine Allen to learn more about them, their career, their characters and their preparation for Abduction, gain music insight into some of the very challenging and infrequently heard arias. See design concepts for costume and sets by Designers Nathan Burmeister and Matilda Woodroofe
Episode 4: Excursion / Meet the Creatives (Excursion)
Curriculum focus on Music and Drama/Theatre
Recorded at the Palais Stage Orchestral Rehearsal Excursion, this pre-rehearsal conversation with members of the creative steam will be available on demand (for 6 months – as per usual for Victorian Opera digital access).
Performance (Limited in theatre and streamed on-demand)
Curriculum focus of Drama/Theatre, Music, Humanities and English
The Abduction from the Seraglio is the epitome of Mozart’s musical genius. With bold, contemporary staging and updated libretto, Victorian Opera is reimagining this opera for modern audiences.
The darkly comic opera tells the story of Konstanze and Blonde, who are kidnapped by the mysterious Pasha Selim. He holds them captive and falls desperately in love with Konstanze.
Konstanze’s fiancé Belmonte attempts a daring rescue with the help from his trusted right-hand man Pedrillo, Blonde’s sweetheart. But their efforts are thwarted by Pasha Selim’s villainous offsider Osmin.
Weaved between the drama of heroism and suffering are moving moments of unrequited love, unshakeable loyalty, and even a few laughs. Mozart’s score is rich with feeling, nuance and breathless energy. It is a historic masterpiece of theatre that everyone should see at least once, if they have the chance.
Runtime: 2.50m with 2 intervals
Language: Sung in German with English surtitles.
Year levels: Grade 5 to Year 12
Subjects areas: Music, Drama, Humanities, English and German
Warnings: TBA.
Workshop 5: Discussion and Evaluation (in-person and webinar)
Curriculum focus of Drama/Theatre, Music, Humanities, English and German
11:30 – 12:00 20 August
Contact
For further enquiries or assistance, contact our Education Team by calling (03) 9012 6659 or via email.
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