Ra-Horakhty by Rose Nolan
Original Music Theatre for Young Audiences

Production Overview

Composer, Librettist & Director: Rose Nolan
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 6–12 years
Performers (musicians can be expanded or reduced):
  • 3 singers
  • 1 pianist
  • 1 cellist
  • 1 violinist
Technical Requirements:
  • 1 Lighting / AV technician
 Picture


Artistic Overview

Ra-Horakhty is a newly composed opera for young audiences that combines music theatre, mythology and environmental storytelling to explore climate change, sustainability and our relationship with the natural world.
Set in Berlin, the opera follows two children searching for their school's missing peregrine falcon, Ra-Horakhty. Named after the ancient Egyptian god of rebirth, the falcon becomes a symbol of ecological balance and renewal. Its disappearance reflects the real history of peregrine falcons, once pushed to the brink of extinction through the widespread use of pesticides such as DDT.
Guided by a magical map, the children journey across Berlin where familiar places reveal unexpected meanings. Along the way they encounter figures including Hildegard Knef, a gardener from the Deutsche Gartenbau-Gesellschaft and the monumental sculpture Der Rufer in the Tiergarten. Each encounter reveals another aspect of what it means to live sustainably—not only through practical environmental action but also through compassion, contentment and peaceful coexistence with others and the natural world.
Rather than presenting climate change as a story of fear, Ra-Horakhty offers young audiences hope, imagination and practical inspiration, encouraging them to recognise that meaningful change begins with both individual actions and collective responsibility.

International Development

Ra-Horakhty has received public cultural funding through Projektfonds Kulturförderung, Bezirksamt Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and will premiere in October 2026 at Kapelle99, Berlin as part of KinderKulturMonat, one of Berlin's largest children's cultural festivals.

Artistic Themes

  • Climate change
  • Ecological sustainability
  • Biodiversity
  • Peace and coexistence
  • Cultural memory
  • Hope and resilience
  • Environmental stewardship

Sustainable Theatre Practice

The production itself reflects the environmental values explored within the opera.
All costumes, props and scenic elements are created from recycled and upcycled materials, demonstrating that imaginative, visually engaging theatre can be produced sustainably while encouraging audiences to reconsider the value of materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Creative Learning (Optional Extension)

Alongside the Berlin production, a creative learning residency has been developed in partnership with Wangari-Maathai International School.
During the residency, students investigate endangered species native to their local environment, create papier-mâché animal masks using recycled materials, learn music from the opera and participate in the final performance alongside the professional cast.
This residency model has evolved organically alongside the artistic work and may provide opportunities for future community engagement where appropriate.

Why Ra-Horakhty?

Ra-Horakhty seeks to introduce young audiences to opera through an original contemporary work that combines compelling storytelling, accessible music and environmental themes of global relevance. It demonstrates how opera can engage children with complex ideas through imagination, beauty and emotional connection rather than instruction alone.

In-Theatre Participation

Ra-Horakhty carefully incorporates designed participatory moments that encourage children to engage physically, musically and imaginatively while maintaining the artistic integrity of the performance. The experience opera as an active, shared event, rather than solely as spectators. 
  • Sing selected musical themes, encouraging active musical engagement.
  • Respond physically through simple movement and body percussion, reinforcing rhythms and dramatic action.
  • Solve clues and riddles alongside the protagonists, encouraging curiosity and imaginative problem-solving.
  • Contribute ideas at key moments in the story, fostering a sense of shared discovery.
  • Experience opera as participants, creating memorable encounter with live music theatre.

Artistic & Educational Value -Victorian School Curriculum

While first and foremost an artistic work, Ra-Horakhty also offers meaningful opportunities for curriculum-linked learning.
  • Science – Biodiversity, ecosystems and endangered species.
  • Geography – Sustainability and human impacts on the environment.
  • The Arts – Music, drama, storytelling and creative performance.
  • Capabilities – Critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding and collaboration.
  • Cross-Curriculum Priority – Sustainability.

Pictures of Ra-Horakhty's boat workshop