Piccadilly

The Spirit of Manchester

Manchester

Co-created by composer Nicolas Lewis and participants in Streetwise Opera’s weekly workshops at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

The people of Manchester have a proud history of standing together against injustice and oppression. From the Peterloo Massacre to the Manchester Arena bombing, Mancunians have shown that they always find the resilience, courage and solidarity to get back on their feet and demand justice.

This micro-opera introduces us to Aquabella, a spirit that emerges from Piccadilly Fountains to remind its citizens of the values that lay at the heart of the city.

The piece follows Florence, an activist heading out to a protest. As she walks amongst the crowd, a man bumps into her and does not apologise. His name is Ernie, and he is a businessman. They get into an argument that highlights the inequality between people who live in the same city.

Aquabella promptly reminds them that Manchester is built upon the values of respect and tolerance.

Sing-along video

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