Of the Sea (2023)
Produced by
Obsidian Theatre Company and Tapestry Opera and TO Live
Composer: Ian Cusson
Librettist: Kanika Ambrose
Director: Philip Akin
Venue
Run
March 25th, 2023 – April 1st, 2023
Synopsis
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. (tapestryopera.com)
Cast
| Jorell Williams | Maduka |
| Chantale Nurse | Serwa |
| Suzanne Taffot | Dfiza |
| Justin Welsh | Izunna / Baritone |
| Paul Williamson | Yaakaar / Tenor |
| Ruthie Nkut | Binyelum / Soprano |
| Ineza Mugisha | Soprano |
| Cheryl-Ann Lilieth | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Karen Weigold | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Joema Frith | Tenor |
| Gavin Hope | Baritone |
| Brian McQueen | Baritone |
Creative Team
| Ian Cusson | Composer |
| Kanika Ambrose | Librettist |
| Philip Akin | Director |
| Jennifer Tung | Musical Director |
| Rachel Forbes | Set Designer |
| Rachel Forbes | Costume Designer |
| Laura Warren | Projection Designer |
| Steve Lucas | Lighting Designer |
| Ty Wilson | Makeup Design |
| Hollywood Jade | Movement Director |
| K.P. Dennis | Young, Gifted & Black Assistant Director |
| Jawon Kang | Assistant Costume Designer |
| Jawon Kang | Assistant Set Designer |
| Janeena Morris | Young, Gifted & Black Costume Design Apprentice |
| Meghan Wearne | Assistant Lighting Designer |
Music
| Clara Lee | Concertmaster |
| Calvin Cheng | First Violin |
| Yegee Lee | First Violin |
| Elizabeth Johnston | Principal Second Violin |
| Louise Tardif | Assistant 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 |
| Roberto Conquer | Tenor Trombone |
| Trevor Tureski | Percussion |
| Sanya Eng | Harp |
Production
| Kat Chin | Stage Manager |
| Loralie Pollard | Assistant Stage Manager |
| Emmanuelle So | Apprentice Stage Manager |
| Aidan Cosgrave | Production Manager |
| Alex Gilbert | Head of Wardrobe |
| Alex Gilbert | Soft Props |
| Jacqueline Robertson-Cull | Wig Maker |
| Rachael Kerr | Repetiteur |
| Chris Faris | Cutter |
| Des’ree Gray | Stitcher |
| Asli Ozauak | Stitcher |
| Matthew Karaś | Music Preparation |
| Sodienye Waboso Amajor | Igbo Language Consultant |
| Ian Cowie | Personnel Manager, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra |
| Mabel Wonnacott | Surtitles |
| Mabel Wonnacott | Librarian |
Staff
| Jay Blencowe | Head Carpenter |
| Giulia d’Amanzo | Head Electrician |
| Keijo Makela | Head Sound |
| Wes Allen | Head of Properties |
| Justin Tucci | Assistant Carpenter (Flyperson) |
| Mary Egglestone | Wardrobe Head |
