Pyramus and Thisbe

L-R: Owen McCausland as the Narrator, Krisztina Szabó as Thisbe and Phillip Addis as Pyramus. Photo: Michael Cooper.

This season, the Canadian Opera Company presents the world premiere of Canadian composer Barbara Monk Fieldman’s Pyramus and Thisbe performed with two early Baroque opera classics, Claudio Monteverdi’s Lamento d’Arianna (1608) and Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (1624). The composer was inspired by the beauty, light and coloiur of her native Gaspé Peninsula when creating this "non-opera," which is closer to the genre of a tone poem, offering audiences an opportunity to explore the evolution of opera, from its earliest beginnings with the Monteverdi pieces to the sounds of the art form in the 21st century.

The story of ill-fated lovers Pyramus and Thisbe is somber in nature, and the production embodies a dark subtlety throughout. The stage is sparse except for a massive modern painting that acts as a backdrop. This visual lends itself beautifully to the performance as it moves across the stage, filling the entire space with a changing composition that evolves to frame various scenes. Of particular note is the way the edge of the painting becomes visible towards the end of the production, launching Pyramus (Phillip Addis) and Thisbe (Krisztina Szabo) into the abyss to claw and struggle in the light cast from a single open stage door.

Similar to an oratorio, Pyramus and Thisbe features the orchestra, soloists and the chorus performing concert style with bursts of modern dance and symbolism peppered throughout. The score offers fewer layers than a traditional composition, with each instrumental section being utilized sparingly and almost in isolation.

While it’s interesting to see the art form of opera evolving, it’s important to keep in mind that the traditional parameters of evaluation may not apply to this production. I would caution audiences to enter with an open mind and expect a non-linear piece that presents more like performance art than traditional opera.

Pyramus and Thisbe runs until November 7, 2015 at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. A reminder to those under 30: The Canadian Opera Company offers a great Opera Under 30 Program. Visit coc.ca for more information and to buy tickets.