Set in 1913, Displaced is a brand new opera inspired by the history of Arsenal FC in the munition factories of Woolwich and the Suffragette’s militant campaign to win the vote for women. 

Ruthless businessman and club chairman Henry Norris plans to move Woolwich Arsenal FC out of Woolwich, convinced that a more accessible location will allay falling crowds and fortunes. What does this mean for Scottish footballer William, his landlord Francis and their friend, troubled suffragette Annie?

A large-scale project featuring a mixed cast of professional opera singers and community members, the live performances of Displaced will run alongside an exhibition showcasing the history of Arsenal FC, the women’s Suffrage movement and what life was like in the local area and the munitions factories at the time.

In September 2023, we held a sold out work-in-progress sharing at Woolwich Works, part of Tête-à-Tête: The Opera Festival 2023 and in association with English National Opera. In September 2024, we held a further phase of development to build our community engagement programme and to test the promenading and immersive production.