Alexandra Palace to host world’s first drive-in opera performances
Series of accessible opera works will begin in September 2020, and will play to audiences of 300 vehicles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.English National Opera (ENO) has announced plans to stage a series of drive-in opera performances at Alexandra Palace, in what is thought to be a world first.
This September, the north London venue will host accessible, shortened productions of works including Puccini’s La bohème and Mozart‘s The Magic Flute.
The audience will be able to watch the live performances from their cars, while the musicians and singers are safely spaced out on stage to comply with social distancing measures.
Stuart Murphy, the chief executive of ENO, told The Guardian that it is “a bit of an experiment and if it works it might be a way of bringing the artform to people in a totally different and authentic way”.
“I miss seeing my brother and sister, seeing my mates close up, and I miss seeing something live. It is human nature to yearn for that. Hopefully we can offer that universal, collective experience in a safe environment.”
Roughly 300 cars can attend the events, with larger vehicles positioned at the back. Audience members on motorbikes and pedal cycles will also be allowed.
“Instead of clapping or shouting ‘bravo’, it might be that people flash their lights or honk their horn. As long as it’s authentic, we’re not going to force it,” Murphy said.
If the events are a success, ENO will try to replicate them across the UK.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments