Stage Door News
Stage Door News
TORONTO, ON, November 8, 2011 --- On the heels of its 20 year anniversary, b current Performing Arts in co-production with Theatre Archipelago proudly presents the full stage mounting of Obeah Opera. A total musical journey with a twist, the evocative production celebrates significant influence of black music combining blues, folk, jazz, gospel, spirituals, R&B, and traditional genres. Created (book, libretto, and music) by Nicole Brooks, this mesmerizing work will be presented at the 918 Bathurst Cultural Centre from February 16 – March 4, 2012.
Obeah Opera explores the Caribbean connection of a notorious time in North American history and tells the story of five woman accused of abominable spiritual acts in the peaceful Puritan Town where they live. The opera is loosely based on historical texts of the infamous witch hunts and 17th century trials in Salem Massachusetts, journeying musically with some of the women first accused of the derided practice of obeah.
"This Caribbean-themed opera is a pioneering Canadian theatre piece, which gives an intimate look into some lost pages in history,” says Dub Theatre mistress and Founder of b current, ahdri zhina mandiela, who also directs Obeah Opera. “Producing the piece renews creative and cultural pride for both theatre companies, our artists, and much of our audience.”
The cast of Obeah Opera includes the noted roots chanteuse supreme directly from Trinidad & Tobago, Ella Andall, renaissance performance artist Nicole Brooks, vocalist and recording artist Joni NehRita, newcomer Saphire Demitro, and Canadian soul rocktress Saidah Baba Talibah. The production is rounded out with an all female 10-member chorus, musical direction by contemporary composer and vocalist, Tova Kardonne, and design by Julia Tribe.
From its early showcasing and recent workshop production in May 2011, Obeah Opera audiences have generated exciting response. "Producing this piece solidifies our mandate to present works from the Diaspora inspired by a Caribbean understanding" says Rhoma Spencer, Theatre Archipelago's Founding Artistic Director and Artistic Producer for the opera. This is a production not to be missed.
Founded by ahdri zhina mandiela, b current is the only professional company on the Canadian performance scene which focuses its main artistic energies and programming on developing original theatre works rooted in, and reflecting voices from the Canadian Black diasporic communities. Past productions include: After All by Carol Anderson, Fallen Angel & the Devil Concubine by Jamaica's Graduate Theatre Company, an adaptation of M. NourbeSe Philip's teen novel Harriet's Daughter, stuck by Naila Belvett, Wise.Woman by Rebecca Fisseha, and yagayah by Naila Belvett & d'bi young.
OBEAH OPERA
Created by (book, libretto, music) Nicole Brooks | Directed by ahdri zhina mandiela
February 16 to March 4, 2012
OPENING: Wednesday, February 22 at 8PM | Previews: February 16, 17 & 19 at 8PM
918 Bathurst Centre, 918 Bathurst Street (north of Bloor St)
Performances: Wed. to Sat. at 8 PM | Sun. matinee at 2PM | Tickets: $25; Seniors & Students $20
Reservations: 416.533.1500 or www.bcurrent.ca
2011-11-08
Toronto: b current and Theatre Archipelago present “Obeah Opera” Feburary 16-March 4, 2012