Sanctuary Song (2008)
Produced by
Tapestry Opera and Theatre Direct
Presented by
Librettist: Marjorie Chan
Composer: Abigail Richardson
Director: Lynda Hill
Venue
The Berkeley Street Theatre – Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre
Run
June 7th, 2008 – June 14th, 2008
Synopsis
This opera took audiences on a journey through the life of an old circus elephant, from her early years in Southeast Asia to her years of captivity in a circus, and finally to her eventual happy ending at an elephant sanctuary.
Poached by hunters, Sydney is sold to an American circus to be trained as a dancing elephant. Her faithful zookeeper, James, hears Sydney’s memories of her happy life of freedom and her cherished friend Penny. James vows to set Sydney free before she dies.
Soaring voices, vivid movement, and heartfelt performances — along with a live ensemble and beautiful costumes, set, and lighting — made Sanctuary Song unforgettable. (theatredirect.ca)
Cast
| Xin Wang | Sydney, An Old Asian Elephant |
| Alvin Crawford | James, A Zoo Keeper |
| Sharmila Dey | Penny, Sydney's Childhood Friend / A Girl at the Circus |
| Frank Cox-O’Connell | Hunter / Circus Owner / A Sanctuary Worker |
Creative Team
| Marjorie Chan | Librettist |
| Abigail Richardson | Composer |
| Lynda Hill | Director |
| Wayne Strongman | Music Director |
| Susan Suchard | Assistant Music Director |
| Kelly Wolf | Original Set Design |
| Kelly Wolf | Original Costume Design |
| Andrea Lundy | Original Lighting Design |
| Luisa Quintavalle | Original Video Design |
| Viv Moore | Choreographer |
Music
| Wayne Strongman | Conductor |
| Susan Suchard | Assistant Conductor |
| Michael Schulte | Violin |
| Lizzie Lavado | Piano |
| Ryan Scott | Percussion |
Production
| Kathryn Westoll | Stage Manager |
| Nicola Benidickson | Apprentice Stage Manager |
| Clarissa DeYoung | Producer |
| Susan Worthington | Producer |
| Caroline Hollway | Production Manager |
| Melanie McNeill | Props Coordinator |
| Melanie McNeill | Costume Coordinator |
| Phil Clemo | Video Consultant |
| Jaime-Lyn Thorne | Cutter |
| Chlöe Anderson | Tailor |
| Bob Lomow | Set Painter |
| Marlo Alcock | Surtitles |
| Lee Alcock | Surtitles |
| Jessi Linn Davies | Education Consultant & Study Guide |
| Amber Ebert | Outreach & Education Programming |
| Kim Blackwell | Media Relations |
| Anna Mathew | Marketing and Communications |
| Blair Francey | Additional Graphic Design Support |
| John Lauener | Production Photography |
| Peter Hitchcock | Videographer |
| Benjamin Rankin | Website |
Staff
| Eric Meadows | Senior Head Technician |
| James Oberson | Technician |
