Birmingham Friends of the Earth Press Release
Embargo: For immediate release: Monday, June 6th
Contact: Joe Peacock, Tel 0121 621 6909, email joe@birminghamfoe.org.uk
A green-themed street opera provided passers-by with an unexpected cultural treat in Brindley Place and Edgbaston St this Saturday.
The operatic performance of Save the Diva caused a stir with local crowds that gathered to watch and listen to the impressive vocal talents of the performers. The twelve minute production was an artistic collaboration between award-winning touring opera company The Opera Group and Friends of the Earth.
Rosie Cervelli of Birmingham Friends of the Earth said: “It was great to be involved in this project and a delight to bring some unexpected theatre to the streets of Birmingham. We worked closely with The Opera Group on Save the Diva which explored environmental themes such as climate change and consumerism. The performers certainly got the audience engaged about the green issues highlighted.”
The opera was performed several times throughout Saturday 4th June and members of the green campaigning charity’s local group were on hand to support the performers and provide information to the audience. They took the opportunity to get signatures on their petition to halve the amount of rubbish in the city by improving recycling and implementing food waste collections.
Full-scale opera Seven Angels, a new production which takes inspiration from John Milton’s classic epic poem Paradise Lost, will also be performed on the 17th and 18th of June at the CBSO in Birmingham.
ENDS
1. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.
2. Birmingham Friends of the Earth campaigns on many environmental issues on a local, national and international level. They hold regular campaigns meetings on Monday evenings at 7.30pm: https://birminghamfoe.org.uk/
3. Seven Angels, a new opera written by composer Luke Bedford and librettist Glyn Maxwell, takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where the effects of a consumerist society and climate change on the environment are evident, and explores the role of democracy in effecting change and the importance of individual action. Friends of the Earth will be supporting Seven Angels in a number of ways, including after show talks.
