Two Operas to See and Hear History Differently

Opera on the Avalon has created two productions on little-known historic events with Indigenous collaborators and artists.

Opera revisiting history

Opera on the Avalon is the only institution devoted to opera in the Atlantic provinces. Its mission is to provide artists with the opportunity to revisit and retell history through art. In 2020, Opera on the Avalon toured two productions: Shanawdithit explores the last few months of the last Beothuk woman’s life, and Ours delves into the aftermath of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, in 1916. Both productions attest to opera’s ability to reach contemporary audiences with historical stories.

Promoting encounters and reconciliation

Tours in the Atlantic provinces and across Canada are important for artists because they enable them to reach key producers and stakeholders in the cultural milieu. Performances of Shanawdithit contribute to reconciliation by encouraging connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. The operas also enable various audiences across Canada to discover little-known historical events.