The Sixteen, Streetwise Opera

Streetwise Opera, The Sixteen and HOME present The Passion, a landmark site-specific production for Easter 2016. In the historical surrounds of Campfield Market, an abridged version of Bach’s iconic oratorio St Matthew Passion is brought to life as an immersive fully-staged opera.

This contemporary promenade performance guides audience members around Manchester’s much-loved Victorian hall. The vibrant cast comprises The Sixteen (including a quartet of soloists), an ensemble of instrumentalists led by Sixteen violinist Sarah Sexton, and performers who have experienced homelessness from Streetwise Opera Manchester.

Following the last two days of Jesus’s life, The Passion’s confrontational narrative is contrasted by the beauty and exultation of its score. Penny Woolcock’s direction sees multiple performers playing the leading role as a poignant reminder of Jesus’s vulnerability and universality.

The production features a new ‘resurrection’ finale which has been jointly written by Streetwise Opera’s performers and celebrated composer Sir James MacMillan. Bleak images are followed by glimmers of hope in the The Passion’s joyous closing chorus.

Streetwise Opera runs music programmes with people who have experienced homelessness and stages critically-acclaimed productions (‘Awe-inspiring’ ????? The Times) in collaboration with leading artists from the worlds of opera, theatre, classical music and film.

Penny Woolcock is an award-winning director working across fiction film and documentary, art installation and staged opera. She has a special interest in creating quality work with those who live on the margins.

This is a promenade production where you will be required to walk and stand throughout all or part of the performance.