Opera in a London pub aims to end elitism and high prices

I'm all about the democratization of art and culture, so of course I was love love loving this article about an opera house opening up in a London pub. Think we should get one of these started in Cincy? Think we could? Check out the article below :)


Kings Head theatre pub in Islington, North London
via the Guardian
BY Vanessa Thorpe

Britain is to get an unconventional new opera house – the first to open in London for 40 years – when the King's Head, the capital's first and most famous fringe venue, turns permanently to musical theatre next month under the guidance of illustrious patrons Jonathan Miller, Joanna Lumley, Alan Parker, Tom Stoppard and leading West End actress Janie Dee. Playwright Mark Ravenhill, author of Shopping and Fucking and Mother Clap's Molly House, will be associate director.

Operas staged in an unvarnished and intimate way will attempt to reach out to audiences who would never normally consider this kind of entertainment. The Little Opera House at the former King's Head will also avoid the high prices and expensive overheads that Miller says he believes are "immoral" in these straitened economic times.

"We are living in a completely unfair society," said the renowned 76-year-old director this weekend. "Many people are very underprivileged in this country, while there are these huge ornamental opera productions being staged. There is something immoral about it."

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