Artbulance arrives at a local school—but shortly after pulling in, the colourful vehicle unexpectedly runs out of energy and has to stop. While it recharges, two paramedic-performers step out, turning the unplanned pause into a lively musical moment where opera, play and interaction come together.
Well-known arias and duets are performed in a playful way, including the Papageno–Papagena duet from “The Magic Flute” (Mozart), the “Toreador Song” and “Habanera” from Carmen (Bizet), and “Là ci darem la mano” from Don Giovanni (Mozart).
Familiar melodies open the door to listening, responding and joining in, making opera immediate, accessible and shared.
As smiles, laughter and curiosity spread through the group, Artbulance gradually regains its strength—not through electricity, but through the vitality of being together. Refilled by this collective experience, it is ready to set off once again and continue its journey to meet more young audiences.
“Opera Vitamins” is part of Artbulance, a mobile arts initiative that brings opera and performing arts directly to schools and public spaces. Through short opera and interactive theatre performances, the project creates moments of music, imagination and shared experience, exploring how artistic encounters can foster community, care and a sense of connection between people.
Created and directed by: Giuseppe L. Bonifati (IT)
Creative producer: Linda Sugataghy (HU)
Coordinator: Cuneyt Pala (DK/TR)
Performers: Sandra Lind Dorsteinsdóttir, Flemming Valmdusson (IS), Daniel J. F. Tobijanski (DK)
SELECTED AUDIENCE FEEDBACKS
Vestre Skole, Middelfart
“It was absolutely fantastic. There was a lot of positive talk about it afterwards. People thought it was a great and very different experience that captured both young and old in the audience. The way you arrive in the schoolyard in the vehicle and simply begin without an introduction was wonderful. And the performance ending naturally with you simply driving away again was just perfect.”
Fynslund Skole og Børnehus, Nordfyn
“We thought it was a lovely little performance. The children were engaged in the story and also found several elements very funny. I’m not entirely sure whether the youngest children understood the point of the ambulance, but they certainly enjoyed it.”
Præstegårdsskolen, Esbjerg
“It was certainly a very different kind of performance, and the students were very enthusiastic. They found the story funny, exciting and cosy. The teachers’ impression was that the students clearly understood the message and enjoyed the short break from their everyday school routine. The concept of an Artbulance arriving at the school was a huge hit with everyone. We hope to see you again.”
Fonden Drive, Billund
“It was a really nice experience. Although several of our students said afterwards that they don’t like opera, they were perfectly comfortable with it and were actually very engaged and focused on the two singers.”
Spangsbjergskolen, Esbjerg
“We were absolutely delighted with your visit, as opera is a genre that very few of our students are familiar with. The singers/actors were fantastic. For the rest of the day, we were entertained by students and staff trying their hand at opera.”
Sletten Skole, Afdeling Krogsbølle, Otterup
“We evaluated the event among the children and colleagues. The feedback was that it was a nice event, with a fun combination of opera and comedy. It was probably most interesting for the younger students. For me, it was fun, different and engaging.”
Bakkeskolen – Special Classes & 1st Grade, Esbjerg
“You captivated our special classes and a mainstream 1st grade class. ‘Troels, they fell in love – even though it wasn’t a real ring she got!’ We are already looking forward to Artbulance 3.0.”
Lukasskolen, Vejle
#It was a truly wonderful performance, and the students were very enthusiastic. It was great that they were involved in the story and that well-known opera songs were woven into the performance.Thank you so much for visiting us. You are very welcome to come back another time!
Kirkebakkeskolen, Vejle
“As a school, it is our responsibility to give children and young people the opportunity to experience different forms of musical expression that they would not necessarily seek out through popular culture. That is why we were delighted to welcome the Artbulance, giving our students the chance to receive a dose of opera vitamins from an international, professional ensemble.”