Calling all theatre heads!
Treemonisha the opera is here in Toronto and the all-Black cast did not disappoint.
Luminato Festival Toronto, TO LIVE and Volcano Theatre held a black carpet opening for the show on Saturday, where the city’s best and brightest arrived draped in black and gold ready to witness history in the making.
Originally written by Scott Joplin (c. 1911), Treemonisha is set in the post-slavery era, and beautifully fuses classical music with soulful music.
The entire cast sings their heart out as they deliver powerful lines reminiscent of live poetry.
You can expect the story of a Black woman’s journey as she discovers herself and leads her community towards a new future.
What makes this play (set soon after the abolition of slavery) incredible, is that it was actually written by a survivor of that era.
“I am so thrilled to see this opera that has been in the works for seven years,” Christine Harris, senior director, marketing and communications for Luminato, told Now Toronto.
“It is a monumental production featuring a Black cast, Black orchestra – a celebration of Black excellence!”
Mayoral candidate Mitzie Hunter also stopped by the carpet and shared that in all her life she’s never seen anything like this, but if it was going to happen, Toronto would be the city to do it.
“We’re a city that delivers talent and excellence to the culture and the whole world,” she said.
You can also witness the globally acclaimed Panamanian-American conductor and violinist, Kalena Bovell, grace viewers with flawless music by way of an orchestra throughout the entire show.
Bowell is officially the first Black woman conductor in Canadian opera history and beautifully led the first all-Black orchestra in the country.
You can catch Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts until June 17.
Next show dates:
June 14, 2023 at 8pm
June 15, 2023 at 8pm
June 16, 2023 at 8pm
June 17, 2023 at 8pm
Click here for tickets.
