Jon Hebditch
Hundreds of primary children across the north and north-east will be given the chance to step back in time to ancient China as a new production tours schools next month.
Scottish Opera will bring the 30-minute show, Warriors: The Emperor’s Incredible Army, to hundreds of primary five to seven pupils.
The production tells the true story of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who was desperate to rule the country forever during his reign between 220 and 210 BC.
He is renowned as the creator of the world famous terracotta army – a vast assembly of 800 model soldiers, horses and chariots intended to watch over him in the afterlife.
In Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire, Heathryburn School, Albyn Primary School, Rosehearty School, Forehill School, Glashieburn School, Middleton Park School, Greenbrae School, St Peter’s RC School, Kinellar School and Danestone Primary School will be taking part.
In Moray, Aberlour Primary School and Mosstodloch Primary School will be participating as will Lochardil Primary School, Kinmylies Primary School and Kingussie Co-op in the Highlands.
Jane Davidson, director of education and outreach at Scottish Opera, said: “Our annual primary schools tour is one of the longest established programmes at Scottish Opera. Every year around 10,000 children see and take part in these performances.”
Some 80 P4 and P6 children from Hazlehead School in Aberdeen have already been working alongside Scottish Opera in a series of workshops based around the show.
The pupils put on a performance for their peers and parents last week.
The school also hosted Chinese craft sessions and a traditional lion dance, run by the Confucius Institute in Aberdeen, and had a Chinese themed lunch to celebrate.