Shoebert’s Unfinished Journey

“Shoebert’s Unfinished Journey” is an operetta created with and for children of the North Shore. Through an immersive, interdisciplinary process, we explore the interconnected ideas of migration, habitat, and conservation. The operetta tells the story of the seal who visited the mill pond of the former United Shoe Co. in Beverly, delighting the community and making international news. The music of Franz Schubert, with its many references to mills, water, and journeys, provides the musical score. The script highlights stories of immigration and social justice from the history of the textile and shoe industries of the North Shore.

Blending historical fiction with environmental themes, the story follows Shoebert’s ancestors as they navigate ocean, rivers, and land, encountering inspiring stories from the history of the textile and shoe industries. As Shoebert embarks on his own journey, he learns about community, and the importance of finding one's place in the world. This intergnerational narrative, set against a rich musical backdrop, explores conservation, belonging, and the connection between land and sea.

At our workshop performances, participants will experience a performance of the draft version of the operetta, give feedback, and create artwork that will be used at set pieces in the final version of the operetta.