Academics at the University of Nottingham are looking for local singers with experience of dementia care to take part in the first ever performances of Take Care, a new opera based on the university's research into dementia home care.
Twelve local dementia carers, who also have singing experience, are needed for the performances. Those who are interested can apply here – applications close on Friday 31 December.
Take Care, by composer Douglas Finch and with words by Cindy Oswin, will help shine a light on dementia care and the emotional labour of carers. Professional and family carers are both the creative heart of the work and its intended audience.
The Dementia Carer Chorus will get the chance to sing with award-winning soprano Donna Bateman, who is starring in Take Care at Lakeside on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April 2022. Donna was born in Nottingham and still has strong family ties in the city. She will be joined by principal singers John Upperton, Violetta Gawara and Jane Streeton.
University of Nottingham students will play in the orchestra, and Nottingham Trent University theatre design students are working on costumes and set, with stage director Mervyn Millar and music director Jonathan Tilbrook.
The opera will première at Lakeside Arts, University of Nottingham on 2 April, 2022.
Take Care is based on research into the hidden world of dementia home care, which was led by Professor Justine Schneider, in the School of Sociology and Social Policy in 2016-18, with funding from the School for Social Care Research.
Dr Justine Schneider, Professor of Mental Health and Social Care, said: "I am delighted that the topic of dementia home care is again in the spotlight and that the opportunity to sing alongside talented professionals is being given to carers.
Singers need not be professional but reading music is a desirable skill and singing in a choir is good experience. Whether you are a current or former dementia carer, in a voluntary, professional or family context, apply now to participate.
Professor Schneider continued: "We particularly welcome applications from those with personal characteristics that are under-represented in theatre, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities."
Those selected will need to be available for rehearsals in Nottingham from Monday 21 to Thursday 31 March. In addition, there will be ten hours of pre-production practice. Chorus members will be paid at the hourly wage for home carers.
This translational project has received support from the Arts Council/National Lottery and the ESRC Impact Accelerator Fund.
