fbpx

Of The Sea

World premiere

Libretto by Kanika Ambrose | Composed by Ian Cusson | Directed by Philip Akin | Music Direction by Jennifer Tung

-

A mythical world rises from the depths of the sea

Under the crushing power of the Atlantic Ocean, a mythical world rises from the depths Of The Sea

Tickets on sale now!

A father will do anything to save his daughter. Of the Sea follows the story of Maduka, his daughter Binyelum, and fellow Africans thrown overboard during the Middle Passage who now populate mythical underwater kingdoms that span the ocean floor.  Amidst the waves, fiery plans for revenge are made, a parent is blinded by love for their child, and a fight against fate begins. 

In the cold, murky waters, everyone dreams of seeing the sun again. 

Of The Sea, is a powerful new opera flowing with hope and heartbreak, written by Kanika Ambrose, composed by Ian Cusson, directed by renowned Canadian actor and director Philip Akin, and Music Direction by Jennifer Tung.

With The Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Perryn Leech, General Director, Johannes Debus, Music Director.

Of The Sea Digital Program

Black Celebration Night | Tuesday, March 28, 2023

The Of The Sea Black Celebration Night is an evening for honouring Black stories, artists, and audiences. This performance is meant for a majority Black audiences but is open to all. The night will include a pre-show talkback following the show featuring select Of The Sea cast and creative team hosted by Obsidian Theatre Company. Follow this direct link for Black Celebration Night tickets.

Please note no latecomers will be admitted to the theatre. Allow yourself extra travel time to arrive and be seated before the performance start time.

Bluma Appel Theatre

St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B4

  1. Black Celebration Night

Reviews

  • a very considerable achievement

  • the story is one of profound depth and beauty

  • a perfect parable for our time

  • the biggest event of the month

  • Headline: Opera in Canada is putting Black creatives centre stage

  • CRITIC'S PICKS | Classical Events You Absolutely Need To See This Week

  • Headline: Creators of Black opera ‘Of The Sea’ on inspiring alternatives to Eurocentric works

  • Headline: Of The Sea Brings Black History And Mythology Together For A Black Operatic Experience

  • Headline: Canadian theatre company to show first-ever all-Black opera in Toronto

  • Headline: How this Opera experience is unlike any other

Creators

Cast

Creative Team

  • Music Preparation: Matthew Karas

Musicians

  • Louise Tardif*: Assistant Principal Second Violin
  • Trevor Tureski*: Percussion

Production

  • Aidan Cosgrave: Production Manager
  • Alex Gilbert: Head of Wardrobe and Soft Props
  • Janeena Morris: YGB Costume Design Apprentice
  • Jawon Kang: Assistant Set and Costume Designer
  • Ty Wilson: Wig Maker
  • Rachael Kerr: Rehearsal Pianist
  • Mabel Wonnacott: Surtitlist