The Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) and Fort Worth Opera (FWO) have forged a unique partnership that aims to both feed and entertain families. The organizations will come together as the FWO presents two performances of the new Texas-themed children’s opera Stone Soup, held over the course of two days.
Following the performances, TAFB will have a time where the public can receive food (Saturday) and give food (Sunday). The performances are ticketed under a “pay what you can” model, and can be reserved at https://www.fwopera.org/stone-soup. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced.
Following the success of FWO’s 2019 world premiere, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, FWO Artistic Director and composer Joe Illick and Pulitizer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell have teamed up once again for Stone Soup, a new family opera with an enduring message of kindness. Led by a resourceful young hero named Sally, this timely tale set in Blessing, Texas, during the Great Depression, teaches the value of sharing and collaboration.
WHEN/WHERE: The two performance dates will be: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.
Both days of performances will be held at First Saint John Cathedral, located at 2401 E Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76105. Since the performances will take place outside, it is recommended that attendees bring lawn chairs or other types of seating for themselves. The schedule for both days is as follows:
Saturday (receive food):
2:00 – Performance begins
2:45 – Performance ends and food distribution begins (will continue while supplies last)
Sunday (give food):
2:00 – Performance begins
2:45 to 3:30 – FWO accepts food donations on behalf of TAFB
WHO: Both the Saturday and Sunday performances will be open to the public. The show itself is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Although families who need food assistance are encouraged to attend the Saturday performance, participation in the TAFB related events following the performances is not required.
WHY: The partnership between TAFB and FWO serves multiple purposes. One is to provide joy for families who are seeking it as the holiday season approaches. As the FWO begins their return to performing on a regular basis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a socially distanced outdoor environment is the safest way to do so. The second purpose is to feed Fort Worth families. Having an outdoor performance makes this partnership possible during COVID-19, and allows food to be supplied and donated in such a unique fashion. The mutual desire for TAFB and FWO is that families leave this weekend’s events with a renewed sense of hope this holiday season.