Sabina Higgins speech opening Wexford Light Opera Festival
Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, Saturday 13th April 2019
I am delighted to be here this evening to launch this stage performance of the iconic “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.
For many of the adults here Chitty Chitty Bang is a story that is deeply woven into their childhood memories and, like all of the best stories, it is one whose magic and charm extends across time and generations, continuing to enthral and delight new audiences of young people in a modern and digital age.
Such is the affection in which the seminal film of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is held it has, in recent years been re-imagined and adapted into a highly acclaimed and greatly enchanting stage version.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is, of course, a story of fantasy and adventure centred around a magical flying car. It is also, however, a story of family and togetherness, of creativity and exploration.
Five decades have passed since Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was first introduced to the world but its message is a timeless one, as relevant today as it was when it was first penned. At the very heart of its story is the interconnectedness that grows between two disparate families, leading ultimately to better futures for all concerned.
It is a great reminder of what can be achieved when citizens learn to work together to bring about positive change; to craft an inclusive citizenship that enables every member to participate and be treated with respect.
A true community is one which has the vision to see beyond the false barriers we so often erect between ourselves and others, and the imagination to understand how different backgrounds, cultures and traditions enrich our society and broaden our perspective.
Tonight, as we launch the show which promises the enjoyment of the experiences of a beautifully crafted story recreated for the stage, bringing a new perspective to new audiences we also have cause to consider the vital role that arts and culture play in creating dynamic, creative and reflective communities.
As a society we owe a debt of gratitude to those who work so generously to bring arts and creativity into all corners of our society, ensuring performance, music, dance and song can be enjoyed by all our citizens, in all circumstances and across all generations.
I deeply appreciate groups like the Wexford Light Opera Society and have had much direct contact with such groups and their productions and the valuable contribution they make to their communities and to our wider society.
The Wexford Light Opera Society is, of course, one of our oldest musical societies. It is quite extraordinary to think you were founded in a country in 1911 that was still under British rule and had yet to witness two World Wars and the Easter Rising that would so profoundly change the course of Irish history. It is equally extraordinary to know that, throughout those seismic events, the WLOS continued to bring the joy of music and performance right into the heart of Wexford society, to be enjoyed and appreciated by all.
During that time you have also, of course, nurtured and developed great talent, providing opportunities for generations of citizens to discover, celebrate and share their creative skills. Indeed some of your former members have achieved international success and renown, having first discovered the joy of performing and the pleasure of sharing their creativity with an appreciative audience through their participation in the WLOS.
Today you continue to make a valuable contribution to the artistic dimension of our constantly evolving and now multi-cultural society, and have become a greatly important cultural landmark here in Wexford. I wish you every success as you continue to provide a significant and joyful cultural space for all citizens to enjoy, one that is rooted in the community, connecting people of all ages and social backgrounds as they access and participate in the enriching elixir of music and drama.