Seeking singers with a connection to Plymouth or the surrounding area for a week of R&D on Bread and Circuses: The Wrestling Opera.4-11 August 2021, inclusive, in Plymouth, United KingdomComposer: Liam Wade (Semperoper Dresden, Washington National Opera)Librettist: Charles Ogilvie (Rambert Dance Company, Victoria and Albert Museum)Stage Director: Julia Mintzer (Welsh National Opera, Washington National Opera)Workshop Producer: Ryan Wilce (Animate, Radiant Gallery, Effervescent)Supported by the Bogliasco Foundation and Arts Council EnglandIn collaboration with REACH Wrestling and the University of RavensbourneBread and Circuses takes the cameo of Donald Trump on a 2007 televised wrestling event as a starting point for a show exploring political rhetoric and America's cultural crisis through the lens of professional wrestling. A family epic of love, revenge, and values kept and betrayed, it plays out over thirty years, exploring how kayfabe—the portrayal of staged events within the industry of professional wrestling as 'real' or 'true'—might define an era. Its sound world is a fusion of verismo opera, musical theatre, country, and 90s electronica. The staging incorporates live wrestling and a bespoke video game.This will be a workshop to develop both the score and the choreographic language of wrestling within the staging. Singers will work with the creative team and REACH Wrestling, so they must be excellent readers and good movers. The week will culminate in a showcase with live audiences, and the process will be video documented.