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**Bulrusher at West Edge Opera: A World Premiere**

Join us for a captivating journey through time and identity with the world premiere of "Bulrusher" at the West Edge Opera. This profound coming-of-age story, set in Northern California's secluded Anderson Valley in 1955, follows the life of an African-American girl who was found in a basket by the river. Raised by the local schoolteacher, Bulrusher's life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of a young Black woman from Alabama, sparking a profound exploration of politics, sexuality, and self-discovery.

Based on the play by Eisa Davis, which was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007, "Bulrusher" is a testament to the power of finding one's place in the world amidst the backdrop of racial and personal awakening. The opera is a collaboration between composer Nathaniel Stookey and playwright Eisa Davis, who together bring this poignant narrative to life.

This opera, sung in English with English surtitles, spans approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. The performances are scheduled for August 3, 11, and 15, promising an unforgettable experience that melds breathtaking music with a story of profound relevance.

The production boasts a talented cast and crew, including Emily Senturia as the conductor/music director, NJ Agwuna as the production stage director, and features performances by Shawnette Sulker as Bulrusher, Kenneth Kellogg as the Logger, Briana Hunter as Vera, and many more.

"Bulrusher" is commissioned by a group of dedicated patrons and supported by The National Endowment for the Arts and The Carol Franc Buck Foundation, highlighting its significance and the community's support for groundbreaking new works.

Don't miss this powerful world premiere that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. Reserve your tickets now and be part of a moving exploration of what it means to find oneself and one's community.

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Bulrusher

West Edge Opera

In this historical, mystic opera, 21st century Joséphine-Marie, through a grandmother’s story, is transported to 1870s Montana where she encounters an ancestor, the sharpshooter Josette, a runaway travelling with Riel and the last buffalo brigades. Josette falls in love with the young, passionate, Louis Riel, in disguise, on the run from assassins.

The pair confront jealousy, destiny, deprivation, and torment wrought by four shape-shifting Black Geese of Fate, but are comforted by ghost choruses of ancestors, the bison brigades, and the women of their peoples, as they try to salvage a nation and save themselves from total destruction in the burning heart of the continent of the 1870s.

Li Keur, Riel’s Heart of the North

Centennial Concert Hall

Join the HPO and conductor Andrei Feher with Métis mezzo-soprano Rebecca Cuddy as they plumb the emotional depths of Rachmaninoff’s “song without words”, and Ian Cusson’s moving song cycle setting texts by U.S. Poet Laureate and Muscogee Nation member Joy Harjo— an empowering exploration of love, relationships, and woman-ness. Then, revel in the warmth of Brahms’ sunny Second Symphony— a balm for the soul.

Rebecca Cuddy

Mezzo-soprano

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 9, 2024

Feher Conducts Brahms · Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra

Past events

3 - 15 Aug, 2024

Bulrusher · West Edge Opera

18 - 24 Nov, 2023

Li Keur, Riel’s Heart of the North · Manitoba Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Madame in Bulrusher by Stookey

West Edge Opera

Josette Lagrande in Li Keur, Riel’s Heart of the North by Weisensel

Manitoba Opera

About

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