Dog Days: Canadian Premiere

Performance Overview

About Dog Days

William Yong. Photo by Eric Forget

Elena Howard-Scott. Photo by Eric Forget

Elena Howard-Scott, William Yong. Photo by Eric Forget

Dog Days is a contemporary opera that combines classical vocals with dark ambient noise and amplified electric guitars. Set during a fictional, paralyzing global war, the story follows a suburban upper-middle-class family attempting to navigate severe food shortage while sheltering in place. The psychological drama explores human resilience, desperation, and moral breakdown when social structures disintegrate.

Critically acclaimed by The New York Times, this breakthrough work from the writing team of composer David T. Little (Soldier Songs, JFK) and Canadian librettist Royce Vavrek (Angel’s Bone, Listen, Quiet) put them on the map. They have since gone on, both together and in collaboration with others, to revolutionize opera in North America.

Keith Klassen, William Yong. Photo by Eric Forget

Brief Synopsis

In the wake of an unspecified war on American soil, a family’s world shrinks to basic survival. 13-year-old Lisa forms a complex bond with a mysterious man who appears to be living and acting like a dog, begging for scraps and refusing to speak. Her family faces a moral descent: as traditional society dissolves, they must decide what parts of their humanity they are willing to sacrifice to stay alive.

FAQ

Where is Dog Days taking place in Toronto?

Dog Days is staged at the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, located at 877 Yonge Street (Suite 201), Toronto, ON M4W 3M2.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available online!

Tickets are also available through our TAP Package subscription online through the Tapestry Opera box office or by calling 416-537-6606 ext. 108.

Is Dog Days suitable for children?

Due to dark themes, psychological tension, and realistic depictions of survival in war, Dog Days is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older.