Of The Sea
World premiere
Libretto by Kanika Ambrose | Composed by Ian Cusson | Directed by Philip Akin | Music Direction by Jennifer Tung
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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
- 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
Media & Photos
Creators
Kanika Ambrose
LibrettistIan Cusson
ComposerPhilip Akin
DirectorJennifer Tung
Music DirectorK.P Dennis
Young, Gifted and Black Assistant DirectorCast
Jorell Williams
MadukaChantale Nurse
SerwaSuzanne Taffot
DfizaJustin Welsh
IzunnaPaul Williamson
YaakaarRuthie Nkut
Binyelum/SopranoIneza Mugisha
SopranoCheryl-Ann Lilieth
Mezzo-SopranoKaren Weigold
Mezzo-SopranoJoema Frith
TenorGavin Hope
BaritoneBrian McQueen
BaritoneCreative Team
Rachel Forbes
Set & Costume DesignerLaura Warren
Projection DesignerHollywood Jade
Movement DirectorSteve Lucas
Lighting Designer- Music Preparation: Matthew Karas
Musicians
Clara Lee
ConcertmasterCalvin Cheng
First ViolinYegee Lee
First ViolinElizabeth Johnston
Principal Second ViolinOleksandra Fedyshyn
Second ViolinYosef Tamir
Principal ViolaBrenna McLane
Second ViolaElaine Thompson
Principal VioloncelloNaomi Barron
Second VioloncelloMac VanDuzer
ContrabassDouglas Stewart
Flute + PiccoloCaitlin Broms-Jacobs
Oboe + English HornDominic Desautels
Clarinet in Bb + Bass ClarinetZsofia Stefan
Bassoon + ContrabassoonBardhyl Gjevori
Horn in FRobert Conquer
Tenor TromboneSanya Eng
Harp- Louise Tardif*: Assistant Principal Second Violin
- Trevor Tureski*: Percussion
Production
Kat Chin
Stage ManagerLoralie Pollard
Assistant Stage ManagerEmmanuelle So
Apprentice Stage Manager- 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