Borka: The Opera was created in 2014 by librettist Tim Yealland and composer Russell Hepplewhite, based on the story book by John Burningham. It toured the UK as part of the English Touring Opera Spring season, culminating in a magical series of performances at Kew Gardens, attended by John himself.
2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of publication for Borka: The Adventure of a Goose with No Feathers. Ignite Music, specialists in new classical music for young people, have been tasked by The John Burningham Estate to create a new production to mark this important achievement. The libretto & score are ready, the puppets are being built, the initial designs are completed. Help us to bring Borka back to the stage for a 2023 Anniversary Tour!
Borka: The Opera will tour the UK Literary Festivals through spring & summer 2023. Make sure you subscribe to our updates and don't miss out on our programme of workshops & performances. Written for children from 5-7 years, the opera runs just over 40 mins and is suitable for all the family. See below for more information about the production.
John Burningham, the writer & illustrator of Borka, created a beautiful world for our tenacious but flawed heroine. Burningham often used elements of his own life & experiences in his story telling & always favoured the underdog over more traditional protagonists. Ignite Music invite you into the world of Borka, including the vivid colours and illustrations from the book alongside live performance, as you join her in the marshes on the East coast of England and travel with her on her adventures as she makes new friends and life changing discoveries...
If you would like to support our Borka project please click the link below to donate to our GoFundMe campaign - all donations are very gratefully received!
Tom Maschler (writing about John Burningham)
Support our 2023 opera production of Borka: the Adventures of a Goose with no Feathers!