The Royal Opera has found an innovative new use for internet phenomenon Twitter by inviting the users of the site to collaborate on a new opera.
Using Twitter posts of no more than 140 characters long, opera fans are contributing to an online libretto which, when it is finished, will be set to music by composer Helen Porter. Excerpts of the completed opera will be performed at the Royal Opera House as part of the Deloitte Ignite 09 festival running from 4 to 6 September.
Alison Duthie, Head of ROH2 at the Royal Opera House commented: “It’s the people’s opera and the perfect way for everyone to become involved with the inventiveness of opera as the ultimate form of storytelling. Expect the unexpected. Who knows how the story will evolve, but get tweeting and you can play your part in your opera.”
The project, which can be tracked on Twitter by following @youropera, was launched on 3 August, since when tweeters have concocted a first scene involving a troubled love affair, raucous birds and a talking ginger cat.
Deloitte Ignite 09 is bringing a range of shows to the Royal Opera House for an exciting and unusual weekend. Among the events on offer are The Lying Down Concert, performances from Wiley, Chipmunk, Emeli Sandé and Portico Quartet, a Silent Disco, theatre, dance magic and art.
In addition to creating new operas, the Royal Opera House has embraced Twitter as a way of keeping in touch with its audience. Currently 2,000 Tweeters follow the venue’s @RoyalOperaHouse Twitter page. Official London Theatre can also be followed on Twitter at @O_L_T
MA