Paper Boat Sets Sail is a documentary telling the story of the making of ‘Paper Boat’; a community opera for Galway.

Using observational recordings, interviews and excerpts from the opera, the documentary places the listener at the centre of this creative venture. It follows the build up to the opera, from rehearsals to opening night. It moves from band halls and community halls, with fluffed notes, frustrations and breakthroughs to the triumph and prestige of the opening night at St. Nicholas’ Church. 

The documentary will be both a chronicle of this incredible creative collaboration between over 140 people and an insight into the processes involved in bringing the show to life. Commissioned by Music for Galway, Paper Boat is the first opera collaboration between writer Jessica Traynor, who wrote the libretto, and composer Elaine Agnew, whose music creates a magic canvas for the story. It tells the story of three strangers who arrive at the doors of St. Nicholas’, all seeking sanctuary. Four professional singers are joined by chorus, youth chorus, brass band and a 36 piece orchestra, to bring the characters and tribes of Galway to life. 

The community opera has a cast of over 140 professional and amateur musicians from across Co. Galway all under the artistic direction of Mark Duley.  Presented by Music for Galway, Irish National Opera and Galway 2020.

Presented and produced by Alan Meaney. 

Paper Boat Sets Sail will be broadcast as part of The Lyric Feature on RTÉ lyric fm on Saturday 24th December at 7pm followed by the Paper Boat opera in full.

Here's an article for RTE Culture I wrote about the process.