Opera Therapy (ATOM Study Guide)

Opera Therapy is a documentary film suitable for middle to senior secondary students and tertiary students that documents the work of Emma O'Brien, a music therapist who works with patients in the oncology ward at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Four patients, three women and one man, share their stories of battling cancer and thus enabling Emma to transform their experiences and emotions into opera. Emma works with the More Than Opera Company to offer the participants a therapeutic and collaborative opportunity to tell their stories and to transform their experiences and emotions into opera.

Opera Therapy is an inspiring and uplifting story offering a unique and sensitive insight into the lives of cancer patients.

Curriculum Links:
The documentary Opera Therapy will be suitable for middle, senior secondary and tertiary students of:
• English
• Health and Human Development
• Media Studies
• Religious Education
• Music
• SOSE / HSIE
• Nursing
• Music Therapy