We are currently running phase 1 of a very Hackney production of Strauss’s die Fledermaus - one of the most joyous, entertaining, infectious operas in history. We have Hackney Empire Community Choir, Hackney Youth Choir, African drummers and dancers from Hackney Schools, a rapper rapping the role of Orlovsky and 6 pro Opera singers. Prince Rapid has made us a grime track with Fledermaus references and the project is really exciting, even at this phase 1 stage. Our aim is that in the future, this will be presented as Bat Out Of Hackney, at the Hackney Empire main theatre, and will be created with local schools, community chorus, grime artists and professional opera singers and music theatre artists alike. We are so excited about the idea of this production and now that we have secured the venue, the artists, school participants, and Art's Council funding for Phase 1, we are looking for a few more financial supporters to get to the finishing line of making this possible. This is an accessible opera that will engage lots of Hackney children, artists and families. We need to secure this sum to add to the Arts Council England grant we have been accepted for to ensure Bat Out of Hackney delivers all that we want it to. Like the story it tells, this opera will be a large-scale, celebratory community event. We would so love for you to be a part of that.