Presented by the University of Waikato in collaboration with

New Zealand Opera and The University of Waikato are delighted to be working in collaboration to support the development of a new opera: Du’a (Prayer) for Broken Shelter, a work which traces one family’s survival amidst the devastation of the global refugee crisis. One week of workshops led by Director John Davies will culminate in two presentations of Act One across ANZAC weekend – one in Hamilton and one in Auckland. 

Written by internationally-acclaimed composer Michael Williams, with librettists Nida Fiazi and internationally-awarded poet Tracey Slaughter, the cast includes well-known New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes, mezzo-soprano Kristin Darragh, soprano Stephanie Acraman, soprano Elizabeth Mandeno, The University of Waikato choir and orchestra led by James Tennant.This is an opportunity for you to be amongst the first to see Act One of this powerful new work. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the performance. Koha will be collected to support new works in development.