NOTICE: The following event has been postponed due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The Indianapolis Opera will postpone the performances of Brundibar & Vedem and all subsequent outreach performances into our 2020-2021 season. Stay tuned to the opera's website, indyopera.org, for more updates regarding performance changes and the upcoming season's announcements.

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This performance is free to schools, and recommended for students in grades 5 - 8. A curriculum guide is available to teachers upon request.

The opera Brundibar was written by Czech composer Hans Krása (1899-1944) in Prague at the beginning of World War II, and tells the story of two children who struggle to raise money to help their sick mother, and their journey to defeat the organ grinder bully, Brundibar. The opera was subsequently taken to the Terezin / Theresienstadt Concentration Camp; a propaganda camp where visiting dignitaries would be shown how "wonderfully" the Nazis were treating the Jews. It was performed 55 times by children in the camp during the war.

While Brundibar has no Holocaust-themed storyline, the circumstances surrounding its inception and performance are unique and essential to understand our history, particularly in combatting anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. For this reason, we are bringing a corresponding exhibit to Indianapolis, "From the Children, About the Children, For the Children: Art and Writing of the Holocaust" to enhance the educational component of this project. This series of hanging cloth panels from the Institute for Holocaust Education is a colletion of children's artwork, poetry and selections from the underground newspaper they ran in Terezin.

The opera will be performed by the Indianapolis Opera Resident Aritsts, as well as members of the Indianapolis Children's Choir. No physical tickets are required for entry, but reservations are required.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

No, however this performance is intended for students and educators. We recommend students in grades 5-8. A school ID from a school representative will be required for admission.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Parking information can be found at discovernewfields.org/visit

What can I bring into the event?

No food or drink is allowed in the theater.

How long is the performance?

The performance is approximately 45 minutes long.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact Rachelle Woolston, Indianapolis Opera Education Director, at woolston@indyopera.org or 317-283-3531

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

It is not required to have printed tickets for each student. One printed ticket from the school representative will be helpful to confirm your reservation.

Will there be late seating?

No, please arrive 20-30 minutes before the performance to ensure your group is seated.

Where can I learn more?

Learn more about the history of this incredible story on our website, http://www.indyopera.org/holocaust-remembrance-and-education.html.