Past Production Reviews
4Claude Vivier’s Kopernikus (1979-1980), one of his last works written before his untimely death in 1983, seems at first glance to be the perfect futuristic opera/theatre piece, both for our times and perhaps, even possibly, for five hundred years from now. Vivier’s chamber opera slotted perfectly into the newly retooled, contemporary-culture focused Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where it found new life in the Open Space: Opera in the 21st Century program with several excellent performances this past weekend, all of which conveyed the work’s unvarnished power and intimacy.
This is the show that started it all. I am referring to Canadian stage director Joel Ivany’s brilliant re-imagining of that perennial Puccini favourite, La bohème, premiered in the spring of 2011. Its fresh take on youth, life, and love wowed Toronto audiences and propelled the Against the Grain Theatre on an upward trajectory to what it is today, widely regarded as Canada’s premiere small, “Indie” opera company, innovative and risk-taking, bringing the revered art form into the 21st century.
Its hard to believe Against the Grain has only been around for six years. One of the most imaginative performing arts companies in the city, it has reinvigorated opera, oratorio and even lieder with entertaining, accessible productions, pleasing aficionados and embracing newcomers.
