Opéra Louisiane & Brew Agency Create “Trash Opera” to Increase Litter Awareness
Opéra Louisiane, the Capital City’s Opera Company, and Brew Agency, a full-service branding and advertising agency, collaborated to produce a video to increase awareness of the severity of litter issues across the state of Louisiana and how they create flooding. This piece was pursued to support the work and mission of the Louisiana Stormwater Coalition, a grassroots effort dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of permanently funding stormwater management programs.
The piece brings to life a very real picture of how litter on the streets negatively impacts our community’s watersheds, ecosystem, culture and tourism. “We are excited to partner with Brew Agency and Opéra Louisiane to use art and music to bring awareness to an issue that is easy to solve,” said Marie Constantin, Co-founder of the Louisiana Stormwater Coalition. With the implementation of a permanently funded stormwater management program, the litter and flooding situation in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana can be fixed. Constantin went on to say that 41 other states have addressed their litter and flooding issues with stormwater management programs. “Stormwater management helps create strong economies, safe and healthy environments and vibrant communities,” Constantin concluded.
Brew Agency donated its professional services to produce the video while collaborating with Opéra Louisiane throughout the project’s duration.
The lyrics and score for the musical piece was originally created by Opéra Louisiane Artistic Director Michael Borowitz. It is performed in Cajun French and expresses the sorrow of the land over the damage litter has on its waterways. A collaboration with the Louisiana Stormwater Coalition provided the inspiration.
The music was performed by Eric Morgan and Keturah Heard with Michael Borowitz on piano.
This video was originally created for the 2021 Ebb & Flow Festival event and is made possible in part by a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, funded by the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President and the Metro Council.
This project was also made possible by support from Entergy.
About the Collaborators:
The Louisiana Stormwater Coalition is an all-volunteer, grassroots effort dedicated to raising public awareness about the benefits of stormwater management programs and how they help reduce litter on the stress and flood-causing sediments in watersheds. Learn more at louisianastormwater.com.
Brew Agency is a full-service branding and advertising agency that provides creative and strategic marketing solutions for companies and brands looking to evolve and grow. Learn more at think-brew.com.
Opéra Louisiane presents high-quality, professional operatic performances, showcasing internationally acclaimed talent to culturally enrich the community, educate children and provide opportunities for Louisiana artists. Learn more at operalouisiane.com.