Basketball is the answer

How does one rise up after being knocked down? Find out in “Bounce – the Opera” at Paerdegat Park on June 25, 26, and 27.

Based on the Greek myth “The Flight of Icarus,” “Bounce” is the tale of a high school basketball star Isacc “Ike the Flight” Harris, who is bound for stardom, but is benched due to the actions of a jealous teammate. Can he rebound? The mix of Greek drama, Shakespeare, “Carmen,” the movie “Grease,” and hip-hop deal with themes facing today’s kids, including teen violence.

Local high school students are paired with seasoned professionals and are integrated into the production, which is performed on an actual basketball court, using the powerful medium of basketball. They become the players, the cheerleaders, and Flight’s classmates and teammates. Local and national community leaders also play a number of the adult roles.

Ardea Arts has been developing “Bounce” in partnership with The University of Kentucky Opera Theatre. The production’s partners and advocates include prominent local Council members, community leaders, and basketball-industry advocates. This project is made possible in part by the support of The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, The John and Jody Arnhold Foundation, with in-kind contributions from Boylan Bottling Company, Newman’s Own, Inc. and Marquee Screen Printing.

“Bounce – the Opera,” June 25, 26, and 27 at 6 pm. Tickets are free, but bring your own chair!

Paerdegat Park (E. 40th Street and Farragut Road in Canarsie, www.ardeaarts.com/bounce).

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo

<p dir="ltr">Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo presents programming for children and families of all ages, animal encounters, zookeeper experiences, VIP tours, season memberships, and much more! Camp Zoo introduces and immerses children in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities. </p> <p dir="ltr">In partnership with their nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the game farm also offers culture, education, and wellness programs to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment. </p> <p dir="ltr">A critical aspect of the game farm is serving as a sanctuary to animals that have been rescued, rehabilitated, or re-homed, including Sicilian miniature donkeys, alpacas, African Sulcatta tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, goats, sheep, alligators, and our beloved Gomez, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Nala, an African Serval cat! </p> <p> </p>

The Knox School

<p>The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. An inclusive environment provides students with a broad world perspective and a wide range of skills to prepare them for success after high school.  A Knox education unlocks every student’s potential.</p>

Zeta Charter Schools

<p><strong>Zeta Charter Schools:</strong></p> <p>Zeta Inwood Elementary School: 401 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034</p> <p>Zeta Manhattan Middle School: 401 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034</p> <p>Zeta South Bronx Elementary School: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455</p> <p>Zeta Bronx Middle School: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455</p> <p>Zeta Bronx Tremont Park Elementary School: 1910 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457</p> <p>Zeta Bronx Mount Eden Early Childhood School: 1325 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452</p> <p>Zeta Bronx Mount Eden Elementary School: 1475 Macombs Road, Bronx, NY, 10452</p> <p> </p> <p>Zeta combines a caring, whole-child approach and world-class academics with</p> <p>unrivaled opportunities for students to discover their passions through art, dance,</p> <p>chess, music, sports, and Taekwondo. Zeta’s next-generation approach to learning</p> <p>helps students develop the confidence, awareness, and knowledge to solve</p> <p>challenging real-world problems, preparing them for access and leadership in an</p> <p>evolving modern world.</p> <p> </p> <p>Zeta will serve children from Pre-K through 7th grade for the 2024-25 school year,</p> <p>growing to eventually serve students through 12th grade.</p>