
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
Librettist
Ian Cusson
Composer
Philip Akin
Director
Jennifer Tung
Music Director
K.P Dennis
Young, Gifted and Black Assistant DirectorCast

Jorell Williams
Maduka
Chantale Nurse
Serwa
Suzanne Taffot
Dfiza
Justin Welsh
Izunna
Paul Williamson
Yaakaar
Ruthie Nkut
Binyelum/Soprano
Ineza Mugisha
Soprano
Cheryl-Ann Lilieth
Mezzo-Soprano
Karen Weigold
Mezzo-Soprano
Joema Frith
Tenor
Gavin Hope
Baritone
Brian McQueen
BaritoneCreative Team

Rachel Forbes
Set & Costume Designer
Laura Warren
Projection Designer
Hollywood Jade
Movement Director
Steve Lucas
Lighting Designer- Music Preparation: Matthew Karas
Musicians

Clara Lee
Concertmaster
Calvin Cheng
First Violin
Yegee Lee
First Violin
Elizabeth Johnston
Principal Second Violin
Oleksandra Fedyshyn
Second Violin
Yosef Tamir
Principal Viola
Brenna McLane
Second Viola
Elaine Thompson
Principal Violoncello
Naomi Barron
Second Violoncello
Mac VanDuzer
Contrabass
Douglas Stewart
Flute + Piccolo
Caitlin Broms-Jacobs
Oboe + English Horn
Dominic Desautels
Clarinet in Bb + Bass Clarinet
Zsofia Stefan
Bassoon + Contrabassoon
Bardhyl Gjevori
Horn in F
Robert Conquer
Tenor Trombone
Sanya Eng
Harp- Louise Tardif*: Assistant Principal Second Violin
- Trevor Tureski*: Percussion
Production

Kat Chin
Stage Manager
Loralie Pollard
Assistant Stage Manager
Emmanuelle 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