What is REALLY important to us? About what do we REALLY care?

Oftentimes, we find what is dearest to us at the intersection of joy and pain. These two emotional paths accompany us as we journey through life, twisting, turning and intertwining.

A primary goal of the opera is to deliver a powerful message that kids feel a strong desire to share with the public. This message emerges from exploring the opera theme in-depth and determining a point of view, or thesis. To arrive at a theme, one that resonates with every company member, we discuss that which “brings us great joy” and that which “hurts our hearts.”

As a homework assignment I asked the students to bring in a special object that represents something meaningful to them, something about which they care deeply. The conversation that ensued as we sat in a circle clutching our precious commodities was emotional and enlightening. Little people think and feel profoundly.

Our theme will soon become apparent.