Hansel and Gretel Relaxed Performance Visual Story - Victorian Opera presents - Arts Centre Melbourne
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Victorian Opera presents Hansel and Gretel Relaxed Performance Visual Story
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Production
3. The Theatre
4. The Story
INTRODUCTION Experience the excitement of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera version of the timeless fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. Staged with enchanting sets and costumes. Victorian Opera’s production brings this treasured story from the page to the stage in a beloved operatic rendition. Relaxed Performance Arts Centre Melbourne is committed to providing performances that allow everyone to experience the wonder of theatre. This Relaxed Performance is especially designed to welcome visitors with access requirements and sensory sensitivities, their friends and families to the theatre. The atmosphere is ‘relaxed’, with some house lights remaining on during the performance. A quiet space will be available in the foyer if you need to take a break. Enthusiasm is embraced and it’s okay to move and make noise during the performance. Contact This visual story has been prepared by Arts Centre Melbourne’s Access & Community team. If you would like any additional information in the lead up to your visit, please contact staff on 9281 8784 or ACEteam@artscentremelbourne.com.au
THE PRODUCTION Venue This production of Hansel and Gretel will be performed at the Playhouse Theatre, which is inside Arts Centre Melbourne Theatres building. Length The play is 55 minutes with no interval. Age Recommendation Please note that the Victoria Opera recommends attendees be aged 5+ for this production. Families are encouraged to review warnings and talk to staff in order to assess appropriateness of content.
Content Warnings Sometimes it might be loud but don’t worry, nothing will hurt you. If the sounds are too loud you can put your hands over your ears or wear headphones. You might get scared when the Witch is being pushed into the oven. During this scene there is a few flashes of light and she pretends to be destroyed in the oven. Don’t worry though this is just pretend. Theatre Guidelines • Photography and mobile devices are not permitted during the performance, however if you need to use a device (i.e. iPad) to assist with communication, please inform the ushers. It’s always fine to use a device in the foyer or quiet areas. • During the Relaxed Performance, a relaxed attitude is taken to movement, noise and eating/ drinking in the auditorium (this is okay). • If you need to take a break during the show, you are welcome to come out into the foyer area. A quiet space will be available, with low lighting and sensory items.
THE THEATRE Hansel and Gretel is being performed at Arts Centre Melbourne. The theatres building has a large spire on top.
THE BUILDING When you enter the building, there may be many other people in the foyer area. There will be staff members wearing black uniforms. They are there to help you with any questions or directions.
BEFORE THE PLAY Before you go to the theatre, you’ll need a ticket. You may already have your ticket(s), or you may need to collect them from the Box Office. There are many theatres inside Arts Centre Melbourne. Follow the directions, or ask staff, to find the Playhouse Theatre.
THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Before going inside the theatre, you may like to get something to eat or drink, use the toilet or buy a program.
SEATING For the Relaxed Performance, doors will open about 30 minutes before the play begins. You can show your ticket to the usher before you enter, and you can choose where you sit inside the theatre. This is called General Admission.
DURING THE PLAY The opera will go for approximately 55 minutes and has no interval. If you need to take a break during the show, you can come out into the foyer area. A ‘Quiet Area’ with some comfortable beanbags and soft lighting will be available. You can return to the theatre when you’re ready.
FINAL EXPERIENCE At the end, the audience will clap to say thank you to the performers. You may like to stay in the theatre to see the actors come out and answer questions from the audience after the play.
THE STORY After misbehaving and breaking a precious jug of milk, Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods by their Mother to look for strawberries for their supper.
When Father returns with a basket of food, he is horrified to find out Hansel and Gretel are in the woods. The gloomy woods are where the Evil One lives, a fearsome witch who turns children into gingerbread and eats them. The parents rush out to find their children.
Hansel and Gretel go deep into the woods, looking for strawberries. It gets dark and they realise they’re lost.
A Sandman appears and helps them sleep with a sprinkle of magic sand. They dream of angels protecting them and in the morning, they’re awoken by the Dew Fairy.
When the mist clears they see a marvellous house made of gingerbread, decorated with frosting and candy. Hansel soon realises that the house is edible, and slowly approaches. Hungry, the children can’t resist the temptation and begin to nibble on the house. The Witch comes out of her house and traps the poor children with a spell.
She tries to lure Gretel into the oven but Gretel tricks her, pushing the evil Witch into the flaming oven instead.
The Witch’s gingerbread victims turn back into children and Hansel and Gretel are reunited with their parents. Together they all celebrate the demise of the Witch.
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