20th-25th April 2026
Cornwall & Tyneside
Music: Shaka Lwaki
Words: Nami Shah
What does rain mean to you? New growth? Familiar bird calls? Or a spoiled camping trip?
From Kenya to the World
Across Arts, Baraka Opera Kenya and Tête à Tête invite you to a joyful, participatory children’s opera and workshop for ages 0-13 (and the young at heart!).
A team of four fantastic Kenyan artists will take you on a journey across Kenya’s magical landscapes in search of rain – meeting characters from folklore, hearing birdsong, and discovering stories rooted in nature.
In the workshop, we’ll learn songs, explore music inspired by nature, and discover how to care for our mazingira – our environment.
After visiting schools in the North East and Cornwall, there is a public performance of The Rain Show at Lavethan.
Tickets are free for under-16s, £6 general admission, and £21 for education supporters.
Where Is It Going?
Tyneside:
20th April: Burradon Primary School
20th April: Fordley Primary School
21st April: Percy Main Primary School
21st April: St Cuthberts Primary School
21st April: Richardson Dees Primary School
Cornwall:
23rd April: St. Dennis Primary
23rd April: Churchtown Academy
24th April: Carclaze Community Primary School
24th April: Bishop Bronsecombe Church of England Primary School
25th April: Lavethan Barn – Public Performance
How Can I Help?
You can donate to the project here, and help us spread the word.
Librettist: Nami Shah
Composer: Shaka Lwaki
Performer/ Workshop leader: Mariah Gichu
Performer/ Workshop leader: Nami Shah
Performer/ Workshop leader: Patrick Alovi
Performer/ Workshop leader: Yovan Barkisoy
Composer mentorship: Tim Burke
Creative Producer/Producer: Helene Mathiesen for Across Arts CIC
Produced by: Baraka Opera Kenya, Across Arts, and Tête à Tête
In collaboration with North Tyneside Music Education Hub and ASONE Hub, Cornwall.