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Scotland’s first ‘Shopera’ Experience Comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland’s first-ever ‘shopera’ – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
Composer and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student, Rachel Sullivan, is introducing visitors at Buchanan Galleries and Glaswegians alike to the world of opera through an original, innovative, and contemporary performance that was written, produced, and directed by Sullivan.
Bertha is a 60-minute, two-act reimagining of misunderstood character, Bertha Mason - ‘the mad woman in the attic - from the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Set in 1808, the opera explores Bertha’s emotional turmoil and cognitive deterioration during a time when women with mental ill health or disabilities were often dismissed and mistreated. Through dramatic interactions and fragmented memories, Bertha’s story unfolds: one of survival, self-discovery, and the power of female connection.
The performance offers a powerful perspective on the original novel, with a haunting original score, chamber orchestra of twelve musicians, and a cast of four singers set against a backdrop of immersive staging.
Those who are new to opera, or seasoned theatregoers are invited to a series of scheduled showings of Bertha at Buchanan Galleries on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, and Sunday 22nd June, where they can expect an evening of suspense and intrigue in an unexpected, yet accessible setting.
The ‘shopera’ is located on the Buchanan Street entrance of Buchanan Galleries, opposite Rolex. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Clyde Climate Forest charity, an organisation working towards planting 18 million trees around Glasgow over the next ten years.
Tickets for Bertha are on sale now and can be purchased via Eventbrite for the suggested donation of £5. Funds generated through ticket sales will support Clyde Climate Forest charity, with additional collection buckets available during the performances.
Composer and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student, Rachel Sullivan, is introducing visitors at Buchanan Galleries and Glaswegians alike to the world of opera through an original, innovative, and contemporary performance that was written, produced, and directed by Sullivan.
Bertha is a 60-minute, two-act reimagining of misunderstood character, Bertha Mason - ‘the mad woman in the attic - from the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Set in 1808, the opera explores Bertha’s emotional turmoil and cognitive deterioration during a time when women with mental ill health or disabilities were often dismissed and mistreated. Through dramatic interactions and fragmented memories, Bertha’s story unfolds: one of survival, self-discovery, and the power of female connection.
The performance offers a powerful perspective on the original novel, with a haunting original score, chamber orchestra of twelve musicians, and a cast of four singers set against a backdrop of immersive staging.
Those who are new to opera, or seasoned theatregoers are invited to a series of scheduled showings of Bertha at Buchanan Galleries on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, and Sunday 22nd June, where they can expect an evening of suspense and intrigue in an unexpected, yet accessible setting.
The ‘shopera’ is located on the Buchanan Street entrance of Buchanan Galleries, opposite Rolex. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Clyde Climate Forest charity, an organisation working towards planting 18 million trees around Glasgow over the next ten years.
Tickets for Bertha are on sale now and can be purchased via Eventbrite for the suggested donation of £5. Funds generated through ticket sales will support Clyde Climate Forest charity, with additional collection buckets available during the performances.
Fri 20 Jun to Sunday 22 June
220 Buchanan Street Glasgow Glasgow County G1 2FF
Friday 20th June 7pm - 8pmSaturday 21st June 7pm - 8pm
Sunday 22nd June 4:30pm - 5:30pm
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