You may have heard them serenading the suburbs - in support of local artists, local company Freeze Frame Opera has taken opera to the streets, all starting on the back of a ute! What began as a plan for a single weekend of street singing has exploded in popularity, with over 100 serenades performed, providing over $20 000 in earnings for local artists.
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Initially, the performances were taking place atop a flatbed VW kombi, lent to the company by Wayne Vinten of Vinten Browning for the weekend, and since then have been performed on the back of CEO and Founder Harriet Marshall’s parents’ ute. Based on initial success, FFO has purchased a historical 1975 Bedford Truck as a permanent home for their popular street serenades, completely financed by the community.
The new truck is a farm vehicle from Denmark and has been in continuous use for over 50 years. It’s a rare classic and was previously featured in the film adaptation of Tim Winton’s Breath, filmed in WA’s South West. Robbie Harrold, FFO’s Design Director says it has the character Freeze Frame were looking for, with a long history that contributes to the cultural identity of both the company and their audience.
FFO Artistic Director Rachel McDonald says the community played a significant role in this purchase, including patrons who purchased a serenade and members of the public who after witnessing the street serenades, approached the company offering their support.
Freeze Frame has ambitious plans for the new truck, including a planned project in August and incorporating truck performances into events like Perth Festival.
The truck officially launched over the long weekend, and to book a street or window serenade, see Freeze Frame Opera’s website: http://www.freezeframeopera.com/the-opera-truck
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