Forbidden
Hip hop fusion by composer Afarin Mansouri and librettist Donna-Michelle St. Bernard
A Tapestry Opera Production
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Performance Overview
Run Time
Language
Genre
Content Advisory
Approx. 1 hour
Performed in English and Farsi with English surtitles
Contemporary opera / hip hop
Sexual violence, incarceration, religious abuse, homophobia, conversion therapy
About Forbidden
Classical Persian music, opera and hip-hop collide in Forbidden. A young girl is being told the “rules” of the world, and in questioning why certain things are forbidden – attracts the attention of Lucifer. She searches and discovers banned knowledge, prohibited activities, and different rules for girls and women… and begins to understand that not all rules are about ‘right and wrong’ and that not all power is benevolent.
Featuring a mesmerizing, genre-defying score by Iranian-born composer Afarin Mansouri and a razor-sharp libretto by Afro-Caribbean playwright and hip-hop artist Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, Forbidden brings the brilliant curiosity of the young and the sceptics view of our imperfect world together in a unique performance with opera and rap artists, and a chamber orchestra of Persian percussion, ney, and tar.
Brief Synopsis
Through several vignettes, Forbidden examines the idea of rules and taboos. Do they protect people, or do they control them? Are they of any value, or do they simply exploit the powerless?
FAQ
Where is Forbidden taking place in Toronto?
Forbidden is staged at the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, located at 877 Yonge Street (Suite 201), Toronto, ON M4W 3M2.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are available through our TAP Package subscription online through the Tapestry Opera box office or by calling 416-537-6606 ext. 108.
Single tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Is Forbidden suitable for children?
Forbidden is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older.
Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre
877 Yonge St Toronto, ON M4W 3M2
Creators
Afarin Mansouri
Composer