Falstaff

The much-loved series of workshops and interactive performances Pocket Opera & Ballet by the Education & Social Activities Department of the Greek National Opera presents Falstaff, an interactive music-theatre experience inspired by Giuseppe Verdi’s opera of the same name, for children aged 8 to 12. The production invites young audiences to discover the world of opera through live music, puppetry, storytelling, and active co-creation.

The dramaturgy retains the core of Verdi’s comic story, adapted in a way that stimulates children’s imagination and curiosity. Falstaff, full of confidence but lacking any financial means, attempts to deceive Alice and Meg, believing they will help him regain his long-desired financial comfort. In response, the two women decide to set up a series of clever pranks against him. The young audience actively contributes to the action, to the live creation of sounds, and to the shaping of scenes, thus becoming part of the story’s comic dimension.

The activity unfolds through successive experiential phases. Initially, children are introduced to the musical and narrative world of the story. Then, through play, improvisation, and musical activities, they take part in the stage development. The experience culminates in the use of costumes and props, leading to a festive, carnival-like forest scene where the story concludes.

The musical arrangement draws on key motifs from the opera, performed live with voice, clarinet, and accordion. Among these is a loop station, which becomes a central tool of the performance: children record voices, rhythms, and sounds on the spot, which are then transformed into soundscapes over which the narrative unfolds. At the same time, puppetry encourages children’s participation in shaping the stage action and understanding the characters.

The activity fosters children’s creative expression, collaboration, and communication, organically connecting music, theatre, and movement. Children participate as co-creators, cultivating imagination, empathy, and team spirit, transforming the performance into a complete educational and artistic experience.

About the project

Credits

Concept: Christina Demou
Design & implementation: Stella Manggana (actress, puppeteer), Marissa Bili (soprano, clarinet, looper), Christina Demou (actress, theatre educator, accordion)
Puppet creation: KOKOUMOUKLO

Ages: 8–12 years

The workshops are standalone.

Duration: approximately 60 minutes

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