An opera for all

Part of the impetus for bringing together the Departments of Theatre and Music into the Fountain School of Performing Arts was to increase opportunities for collaboration between the disciplines. This week’s production of Encounters is an exciting showcase for what's possible thanks to those opportunities.

Encounters is a set of small operas based in urban Toronto that incorporates the talents of Dal's singers and instrumentalists along with technical theatre and costume studies students.

Directed by voice professor Marcia Swanston, the opera has many short scenes tied together subtly by a few characters. The scenes are particularly relatable to modern urban life, and include one titled “Shopaholic” as well as a scene spoofing the popular TLC show Say Yes to the Dress. Even ex-mayor Rob Ford makes and appearance.

The opera features libretti by Michael Albano, with music conducted by Peter Oleskevich.

Zoë Gotziaman and Lindsay Connolly from the opera "Shopaholic."

When asked to outline the work that’s gone into the production, Swanston describes  the process of finding the show, pitching it to the department, working on design and sound, having the composers re-score for smaller ensemble, casting, and then an amazing 200+ hours of rehearsals concentrated into a short period of time.

The show features an outstanding set involving two downtown Toronto condo buildings built by set designer John Dinning. The buildings are made of chloroplast, so the lighting adds a really interesting element to the show.

Voice student Lindsay Connolly says that her favourite aspect of the opera is how modern it feels. “In ‘Shopaholic,’ it’s just three women who are obsessed with shopping and I think it’s really cool how relatable and urban it is. Everyone knows the stores and places we’re talking about.”

Along similar lines, Prof. Swanston says it’s a great show for people who are new to the idea of opera. “It’s new, but it’s not challenging to listen to,” she explains adding it’s entertaining and approachable, with a narrative almost feels more like musical theatre than traditional opera. She says that because it’s so “fun, slick, and fast moving,” it’s really hard to get bored.

Michael Hart and Ashley Cook in the opera "Say No to the Dress."

Yet, as voice student Ben Shaw explained to me, there are little “easter eggs” hidden through the production that offer inside jokes and references for opera aficionados.

Opera experts and newbies alike won’t want to miss Encounters, which runs from February 5 to 8 in the Dalhousie Arts Centre’s Dunn Theatre. Tickets are available from the Dalhousie Arts Centre box office.