PROJECT SUMMARY

ARDEA ARTS is pleased to announce BOUNCE The Basketball Opera, its latest project under development in partnership with University of Kentucky Opera Theatre. Performed on an actual basketball court, BOUNCE is grounded in contemporary issues facing today’s youth, particularly teen violence. The production, which pairs diverse casting with a fresh approach to arts education, integrates high school students using the powerful medium of basketball.

Basketball is a simple game–get the ball in the hole. But this ‘simple’ game becomes complex when outside forces like money and fame challenge team ethics. Ike "The Flight” Harris, a gifted and ambitious young basketball player, is on a fast track to stardom when his wings are clipped by the actions of a jealous teammate. Wild rumors circulate and Ike’s world crashes down.

Based on The Flight of Icarus, BOUNCE showcases Flight’s fall from grace, weaving a theme of betrayal with Greek drama, Shakespeare, Carmen, Grease, and hip-hop. How does one rise back up after being knocked down? The answer comes from the game of basketball itself, which ties all these elements together to create BOUNCE.

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