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21 October 2005
SBS television will screen the unique documentary Opera Therapy, about a performance created by Royal Melbourne Hospital cancer patients, on Thursday 10 November 2005 at 8.30pm.
Opera Therapy follows the therapeutic journey of four people with cancer as they experience a creative and innovative form of self-expression. They are guided by music therapist/ composer Emma O'Brien, from the RMH Department of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology, in association with More Than Opera.
The participants, three patients and a patient/carer, tell their personal stories of cancer as the process of creating the opera with Emma unfolds.
- Mary, 50, four years after a bone marrow transplant for a rare form of lymphoma
- Bruce, 53, who has multiple myeloma and multiple sclerosis, two years after a bone marrow transplant
- Lisa, 33, with acute leukaemia, just two weeks after receiving a bone marrow transplant
- Dianne, 54, who has breast cancer, generously shares her story as both patient and carer, and offers a moving tribute to her daughter Marla (who recently died from acute leukaemia).
They share their experiences of diagnosis, treatment and the compounding effects of illness on their lives.
The documentary illustrates the innovative and unique methods of composing used by Emma to tap into the participants' innate musicality and bring their stories to life in opera.
The four participants were involved in every step of the creative development of the story, music and staging over five months, which resulted in the opera 'C is for journeys', performed by six singers, including Emma.
The creative team from More Than Opera - musical director David Kram, theatre director Blair Edgar and associate director Cameron Menzies - collaborated on the stage production and supported the unique nature of the process. More than Opera is made up of a group of operatically trained singers, whose main philosophy is to make opera more accessible to people from all walks of life.
Opera Therapy was directed by Traicee Evison-Griffith and produced by f-reel pty ltd in association with The Australian Film Commission and SBS Independent. The footage was edited by Sioux Currie with experienced documentary and feature film producer Fiona Cochrane.
Opera Therapy is a truly unique documentary on the world stage. It offers a moving and inspiring window into the lives of people who have been touched by cancer and it celebrates the power of self-expression through music and voice within the magic of the theatre. SBS is planning distribution internationally. |
