In August, five instrumentalists from McOpera Outreach worked with writer and director Martin O’Connor, composer Oliver Searle, singer Daniela Hathaway, designer Rachel O’Neill and choreographer Janice Parker to develop Squirrel, a new interactive opera for the early years’, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Based at Platform in Easterhouse, the team created an innovative concept in workshop performances for the 0-5 years and their parents and carers, culminating in a showing of work at Platform’s Play Cafe on the 2nd and 9th September, with further exploratory sessions taking in place in local nurseries. Taking as its inspiration the seasonal journey of the native red squirrel in its natural woodland environment, the research focused on exploring and facilitating the interaction and bonding of parent and child in creative activity using the musicians’ innate understanding of pulse and movement, timbre, expression and non-verbal communication. Further performances and touring are planned subject to attracting successful funding.
