#GiveaKidtheArts on Giving Tuesday

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Anchorage Opera (AO) is “taking our act on the road” to the schoolchildren of Alaska with our Touring Education Program, AO2Go, and we’re dedicating every dollar donated on Giving Tuesday to that cause. In a time when music and theatre arts education in our schools is suffering drastic funding cut-backs, AO is dedicated to bridging that gap. Our entire community benefits when our children have the arts in their lives. AO partnered with the University of Alaska Anchorage Music Department to create and present a special children’s opera, Aklaq & Nayak (A Native Alaska Adaptation of Hansel & Gretel) in December 2015, which toured to Nome and Unalakleet in 2016. In 2017 we’ve toured to five Anchorage School District schools, Ptargmigan Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, South High School, Bear Valley Elementary School and Springhill Elementary School. We’re on a roll, but we need your help to #GiveaKidtheArts! Our abridged version of the classic opera by Engelbert Humperdinck, with an all new English libretto, infuses the traditions of opera with indigenous Alaskan culture and storytelling making it relevant to the community we serve. The story emphasizes the importance of respect for the land, bravery, and love to overcome hardships and adversity. Giving Tuesday donations will be used to bring Aklaq & Nayak into the schools of Alaska. Sets, costumes, singers, stage directors, accompanists, transportation and administration of the touring program require funding and your Giving Tuesday generosity can do just that. Thank you & BRAVO!

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About Aklaq & Nayak

This special production of Aklaq & Nayak – an Alaska Native Adaptation of Hansel & Gretel , is proudly presented in conjunction with the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Opera Ensemble. With original music by Engelbert Humperdinck and an all new English libretto by Mari Hahn & Willa Towarak Eckenweiler

(Photos by Denny Wells)

Anchorage Opera began touring Aklaq & Nayak – an Alaska Native Adaptation of Hansel & Gretel to schools and community organizations in February of 2016, traveling to Nome and Unalakleet to perform for children in remote villages who otherwise would have little exposure to arts education.

(Photos by Denny Wells

Synopsis

The story features the adventures of brother and sister Aklaq and Nayak as they venture out into the tundra to look for food. Raven and Snowy Owl follow, sometimes acting as guides and protectors. But when the children come to the house of the Goblin Woman, they must use their own courage and resourcefulness to escape her evil clutches! The story emphasizes the importance of respect for the land, bravery, and love to overcome hardships and adversity.

(Photos by Denny Wells)

Anchorage Opera and the UAA Opera Ensemble present an Inupiaq adaptation of Hansel and Gretel, with music by Englebert Humperdinck and original libretto by Mari Hahn and Willa Towarak Eckenweiler.

Many thanks to BP, Wells Fargo and Alaska Arts & Health PTSA for their support of the premiere of this production