OVERVIEW Title: The Defining MomentComposer: Jana SkareckyLibrettist: Norman YeungCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Elliotmiddle-lowG#2-F4A politicianMargaretmiddle-highC4-Gb5His mistress Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: infidelity An ambitious politician gleefully
OVERVIEW Title: The Last LullabyComposer: Jana SkareckyLibrettist: Anusree RoyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 6Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Young womanhighD4-A5A young mother with her babyOfficermiddle-lowD3-Eb4A military officer Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content
A father comforts his son as he encourages him to end his life, rather than waiting for him to die of a terminal illness.
OVERVIEW Title: Sooner Than LaterComposer: Cecilia LivingstonLibrettist: David YeeCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Soonmiddle-lowA2-G4A fatherLatemiddleC3-E4His adult son Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Content warning: gun violence, strong language, terminal illness, attempted assisted suicide A
OVERVIEW Title: Before the Last MeterComposer: Saman ShahiLibrettist: Isabella DawisCommissioned By: Atlanta OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Atlanta Opera (Remounted by Watershed Fesitval)Run Time: 12Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description AthletehighC4-C6Paralympic athlete visiting Atlanta to competeFormer Atlanta ResidentmiddleC3-G4Former Atlanta resident who was evicted due to Olympic construction Please Note: The table above
A sister and brother go through the belongings of their recently departed mother and find an old snow globe from their youth. They both really want to keep it. A bitter fight ensues and the sister inadvertently blurts out a very painful secret.
A boy and his mother make up ways of killing an unnamed woman. When the game is over, the boy asks what would happen if they killed the woman “for real,” if it would make his father love them again.
Xiao Lian performs the Qingming ceremony to honour the spirit of her departed father and mother. Love and fellowship combine in the running of a dragon boat race. Xiao Lian joins her friends and crosses into her future.
The combined spirits of Qu Yuan and Father return and ask the audience to release them from their servitude. That freedom granted, they ascend into the heavens triumphantly.
Xiao Lian vows to look to the past and summons the great spirit of Qu Yuan. His spirit rises and assumes the form of Xiao Lian’s father.
Xiao Lian is transported back to the ancient royal court, where she witnesses the majestic entrance of King Huai of Chu. Qu Yuan is at the peak of his power but is soon outfoxed by rival minister Zhang Yi. Qu Yuan is cast down and banished by his beloved king.
Qu Yuan wanders into the southern wilderness. As he travels, he composes a lament for himself and his lost position in court. In the present, Xiao Lian’s Father senses his end is near. Summoning up his strength, he joins with the spirit of Qu Yuan to tell the final chapter.
Years later, Qu Yuan has earned the honour and respect of the people in a little fishing village on the river Miluo. Xiao Lian and a local villager strike up a conversation with Qu Yuan, and it is soon revealed that The Kingdom of Chu has been destroyed by its
All hope is lost as the villagers return and collect Qu Yuan’s possessions. They take the scrolls containing his famous poetry to the Daoist temple, where they will be preserved forever. Xiao Lian returns to the present at the bedside of her dying father. With his encouragement and love, she
A young Chinese/Canadian woman (Xiao Lian) faces a difficult choice: Honour her family’s traditional past or embrace a more modern future. Her father dwells on the memory of his deceased wife and honours her by performing the Qingming funeral tradition. Meanwhile, Xiao Lian’s two friends want her to get out
Xiao Lian’s father bitterly reveals that he will die soon. Xiao Lian’s mother appears in spirit form and asks her to forgive her father. She speaks of their happiness together as a family in earlier times. As a child, Xiao Lian had a close connection with the Dragon Boat Festival,
CAST: Todd Jang and Alicia Ault | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Mike Fan, Mishael Eusebio, Grace Lee, Alicia Ault, Alyssa Nicole Samson, Keith Lam | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Evanna Lai | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Dragon’s TaleComposer: Ka Nin ChanLibrettist:
CAST: PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Suzanne Taffot | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia KatzCAST: Jorell WIlliams | PHOTO CREDIT: Dahlia Katz View more photos below - click here OVERVIEW Title: Of the SeaComposer: Ian CussonLibrettist: Kanika AmbroseCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera and Obsidian TheatreLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry Opera and Obsidian TheatreRun Time: 90Roles: Role
OVERVIEW Title: Where You LiveComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Michael PollardCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description The Street PersonhighC4-Ab5A street personThe Business PersonmiddleF3-C5A business person Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A businessman is
A businessman is waiting for a streetcar, with his back to an unhoused woman. The two silently judge each other. The man is annoyed at seeing someone who wants something for nothing, and the woman is feeling judged for a situation she has no control over. The two finally acknowledge
After a painful argument, a mother tells her son the truth of his father’s absence and tries to comfort him.
OVERVIEW Title: The Golden BoyComposer: Darren JLibrettist: Anusree RoyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 5Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Mamamiddle-highC4-G5MotherSonhighE4-G#5Son Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS The scene is divided into two sections: a tense
Daniel sings of his fear at the prospect of going down into the cellar of his childhood home, after his father has died.
Judith sings angrily at her brother when he expresses his desire to leave their childhood home after their father has died.
Back in his childhood home after the death of this father, Daniel kills his sister when she wants to resume their childhood sexual relationship.
OVERVIEW Title: The Cellar DoorComposer: Melissa HuiLibrettist: Jovanni SyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description DanielmiddleC3-B4Judith's brotherJudithhighA3-D6Daniel's sister Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Percussion, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass SYNOPSIS
OVERVIEW Title: The Call of the LightComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Bobby TheodoreCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description LortiemiddleG#2-F#4Canadian Forces corporalChorushighF#4-C#5VictimChorusmiddle-highE4-B4VictimChorusmiddle-lowA3-D#4Victim Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below
In the Blue Room of the Quebec National Assembly, Denis Lortie kills and wounds people with a submachine gun as a protest against Quebec sovereignty.
OVERVIEW Title: Snow GlobeComposer: Ian CussonLibrettist: Colleen MurphyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 6Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description SharonhighBb3-Bb5SisterMattmiddle-lowEb3-Gb4Brother Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below - click here SYNOPSIS A
OVERVIEW Title: Sleep, SleepComposer: John HarrisLibrettist: Marjorie ChanCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description MotherhighA3-C#6MotherBoymiddleG2-G4Son Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS A woman and her grown son are leaving their home. It’s time
Her health fading, Shanawdithit wonders if she’ll be welcomed into the spirit world after so much time with the colonists. Cormack tells her he must leave, and Shanawdithit gives him a sketch of his house to carry with him. He leaves the room to pack. Shanawdithit hears the spirits of
Cormack tries to raise funds for Shanawdithit’s care without success. James Simms offers to care for her while Cormack is away.
Shanawdithit describes the last days of her family as they were pushed from their land and then hunted. She asks Cormack not to speak of their death, but of their life. Cormack is ecstatic and gets lost in the memories Shanawdithit paints. She breaks his reverie with the cold fact
The taking of Demasduit weighs heavy on Shanawdithit’s heart. Cormack, unsure of what to do, tries to comfort her, saying Demasduit was treated well. Shawnadithit asks if white people actually care about her people, her story, because Cormack’s words are betrayed by the actions of his fellows, and indeed, his
Cormack’s study in St. John’s, now Shanawdithit’s room. “Nancy April” reveals she can speak English quite well, and tells Cormack her real name: Shanawdithit. Cormack asks her where the rest of her people are, where her home is. Shanawdithit says simply: they are no more. Shanawdithit reflects on the loss
Cormack meets Shanawdithit for the first time. She’s been working as a servant for Peyton for five years under the colonial name of Nancy April. Cormack is awed; he believes this woman is the last of the Beothuk. Peyton gives her to him, saying she’s useless.
Shanawdithit reprimands Cormack for his saviour complex.
Cormack presents his findings about Shanawdithit to the members of the Beothuk institute.
Shanawdithit, dying, speaks to her ancestors. She is ready to leave this world.
OVERVIEW Title: ShanawdithitComposer: Dean BurryLibrettist: Yvette NolanCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera and Opera on the AvalonLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry Opera and Opera on the AvalonRun Time: 80Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Shanawdithitmiddle-highA3-G5Beothuk woman, believed by the colonizers to be the last of her peopleWilliam Cormack middle-lowA2-F4An explorer and anthropologistKwe/Spirit Chorus
As he tries to get into the train car, James explains to Sydney the elephant why it is best for her to leave the zoo for a new home.
James and Sydney start their journey. Sydney remembers being young and playing in the forest with her friend Penny. One day, they are both captured, and the family herd is shot.
Sydney on her first day at the zoo. Frightened and alone, she thinks of her homeland.
Sydney and James meet for the first time. Though both are nervous, they connect with each other.
Sydney and James arrive in Tennessee, remembering their 22 years together. They say goodbye.
Sydney exits the train with James at the Sanctuary and sees her old friend Penny. They reunite lovingly. Sydney and James say their final goodbye.
OVERVIEW Title: Sanctuary SongComposer: Abigail RichardsonLibrettist: Marjorie ChanCommissioned By: Theatre Direct Canada and Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Theatre Direct Canada and Tapestry OperaRun Time: 45Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Jamesmiddle-lowA2-F4Sydney's keeper of 22 yearsSydneyhighDb4-Bb5An Asian elephant poached at a young ageActor/Moversilent-spokenspokenVarious rolesActor/Moversilent-spokenspokenVarious roles Please Note: The table above has
Hector and Isabelle express their resentment towards each other for the sacrifices they each made.
OVERVIEW Title: RosaComposer: James RolfeLibrettist: Camyar ChaiCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 12Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description IsabellehighE4-C6A grieving mother, Hector's partnerHectormiddleE3-A4Isabelle's partner Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Piano, Marimba, Violin, Cello SYNOPSIS
OVERVIEW Title: PursuitComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Jessica Murphy MooCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description BaristahighD4-C#6Female barista, clearly agitatedManmiddleB3-A4A man, customer at the cafe Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View
A female barista is infatuated with a male customer and stalks him. He thinks he recognizes her from his neighbourhood.
Tabitha helps her father Ken, who has had a stroke. She combs his hair and helps him with his therapy ball, retrieving it each time he drops it.
OVERVIEW Title: Playing BallComposer: Norbert PalejLibrettist: Marcia JohnsonCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 8Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description TabithahighC4-E5Long-estranged daughter of KenKenmiddleF4-A4Father of Tabitha Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below
Having escaped forced confinment in a basement, a girl approaches a stranger. She asks if the stranger knows her, as she tries to remember her past.
OVERVIEW Title: OublietteComposer: Ivan BarbotinLibrettist: Donna-Michelle St. BernardCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Lauramiddle-highC4-Ab5A newly escaped captive Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below - click
A couple argue: Keith is trying to interrupt Erica’s rant.
At a bar, Erica laments the men she chooses. Jackie looks for a rich man- and a rich man walks into the bar.
Jackie demands Alex say something, but Alex doesn’t. Erica paces.
Keith tells Erica he has taken a vow of chastity to become a priest, but Erica still tries to seduce him.
We hear Keith teaching a child to play violin. Alex listens happily while Jackie wishes she was still at work.
Erica is angry with Keith for having an anxiety attack as they host a party together.
Two couples on a resort patio watch and comment on each other.
OVERVIEW Title: Opposites AttractComposer: Iman HabibiLibrettist: Phoebe TsangCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 8Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Ericamiddle-highA3-Bb5Coupled with KeithJackiehighE4-G5Coupled with AlexKeithmiddleC#3-A4Coupled with EricaAlexmiddle-lowE3-C#4Coupled with Jackie Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Part 1 Video
OVERVIEW Title: One Night, One BellComposer: Stephen Andrew TaylorLibrettist: Marjorie ChanCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRoles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description WomanhighB3-C6Works as a bell-ringerManmiddle-lowBb2-A4A man, identity unknown Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS In a country
A man coerces a woman to have sex with him in exchange for saving the one remaining temple bell from being melted down for the war metal supply.
A woman makes an appeal that the metal of her bell shouldn’t be used for a war machine.
Jaan meets group of tribal women in the desert who convince her to stay with them while she dies. Noor takes Jaan’s place in the circle.
Noor tells the lie Jaan asked of her to Rafique. Rafique sends her away and tries to figure out what he should do.
Jaan remains alive. The tribal women suggest she should write to Noor to know what has happen and ease her mind.
In bed, Rafique and Noor separately wonder how to get out of their situation.
In a letter, Jaan asks if Noor still loves her.
Receiving Jaan’s letter, Noor forgives her sister. Noor and Rafique decide they will try to remain friends.
Jaan, who is dying, asks her sister Noor to secretely take her place on her wedding day. Noor reluctantly agrees.
The wedding ceremony. Noor hesitates, then marries Rafique.
OVERVIEW Title: Noor Over AfghanComposer: Christiaan VenterLibrettist: Anusree RoyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 39Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description NoorhighC4-C6Afghani woman, sister to JaanJaanmiddle-highB3-F5Afghani woman, sister to NoorRafiquemiddleD3-B4Jaan's husband-to-bePriestmiddle-lowG2-Eb4A PriestChorushighSSAChorus Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano
The 1947 Partition of India forces two children to say goodbye. One departs for Pakistan, leaving her pet rabbit and childhood treasures with her friend.
OVERVIEW Title: Naila and LoloComposer: Elisabeth Mehl GreeneLibrettist: Anusree RoyCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Opera on Tap DC MetroRun Time: 4Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description NailahighF4-Ab5A young girlLolomiddle-highF3-G4Her best friend Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano SYNOPSIS Partition
Westerner Jackie and sherpa Pasang summit Everest without using oxygen cannisters. Soon their victory turns into a culture clash as they argue about their affair and the mountain, and slowly die of hypoxia.
A man tries to write a letter home, but he cannot find the right words. He burns each rejected attempt.
OVERVIEW Title: Mother EverestComposer: Abigail RichardsonLibrettist: Marjorie ChanCommissioned By: Tapestry OperaLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 17Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description Jackiemiddle-highAb3-G5A womanPasangmiddle-lowA2-F#4Her sherpa Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Clarinet in Bb, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello SYNOPSIS Content warning: death Just
OVERVIEW Title: Morning PrayersComposer: Afarin MansouriLibrettist: Jessica Murphy MooCommissioned By: Tapestry Opera's Composer-Librettist LaboratoryLanguage: EnglishProducer: Tapestry OperaRun Time: 7Roles: Role Voice Type Range ? Character Description TenormiddleG2-G4An Iranian man Please Note: The table above has content that is scrollable left to right.Orchestration: Piano Video Recording View more videos below - click
After the murders, M’dea almost kills herself but is interrupted by Chase. They escape to the beach.
Pursued by Jason and the guards, M’dea and Chase climb a cliff by the ocean. When they reach the top, they play a version of their make-believe game, and jump off.
The party is about to announce Jason’s candidacy. Jason and Dahlia dance together, oblivious to all the others. Enraged, M’dea smashes a glass wall, showering fragments over the party guests.
Jason and Dahlia are getting married. The citizens gossip.
The President threatens M’dea with prison or the loss of her son if she doesn’t do as he wants. He warns her not to cause trouble for Jason.
M’dea has a breakdown and brings Chase to the fountain at Jason and Dahlia’s, where she sees the ghost of her mother. She is discovered by Jason and Dahlia, and a fight ensues.
Dahlia convinces Jason to send M’dea away.
M’dea tries once more to get Jason to stay with her, but he believes he will never forget his war crimes if she is in his life. M’dea eventually agrees to go back to her country.
On the eve of their departure, M’dea and Chase play a gruesome game imagining ways to kill Dahlia the demoness.
Just before the wedding, Jason discovers Dahlia and the President murdered.
At a party, the Corporal mocks Jason for needing M’dea to help him win and for bringing her home.
M’dea and Jason commit to loving each other and helping each other recover from the war and memories that haunt them.
Jason and M’dea are expecting a baby. Citizens gossip about the couple.
At the President’s office, Jason and the President discuss family, how to be a good father, and a possible future for Jason in politics.
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