L'écho des plantes

Objective

This workshop uses opera to support both mental health and environmental dialogue. L’Écho des plantes provides a space for high school students to express their fears and hopes about the state of the environment through the process of co-creating an opera from scratch — words, music, and staging. By delving into themes such as solastalgia, the bonds between plants and humans, and the beauty of nature, participants transform their eco-emotions into a collective work of art. This project showcases opera’s potential as a tool for psychological well-being, social engagement, and resilience.

Workshop schedule

• Workshop 1 – Introduction to opera and project themes
  Students discover the world of opera, discuss the environment, and listen to sounds generated by plants. Together, they begin to develop the plot of the opera they are about to create.

• Workshop 2 – Biodome visit
  Students explore the Laurentian forest and learn about the plants that inspired the project, rolling science, art, and environment into one.

• Workshop 3 – The libretto
  Through a guided collective writing workshop, students craft the plot and the libretto for their opera.

• Workshop 4 – Musical composition
  With support from a clarinetist and a pianist, students dive into the musical creation process, improvising and composing their own arias.

• In-class creation
  Between weeks 4 and 5, students do in-class work on sets or props in order to bring the visual world of the opera to life.

• Workshop 5 – Staging and performance
  Students stage and rehearse their mini-opera before presenting it to a school audience, consolidating their collaborative and emotional work.