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Our Work

Opera on the Avalon (OOTA) creates, produces, and presents exceptional multidisciplinary art that redefines traditional performance boundaries, amplifies diverse voices, and celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique cultural identity. We inspire and engage audiences locally, nationally, and internationally through bold storytelling, collaboration, and innovation.

Art at the Edge

Art exists at the edge of possibility—where innovation meets tradition, diverse voices converge, and communities find common ground. Opera on the Avalon has long embraced this edge, creating work that challenges, inspires, and transforms.

For over 15 years, we have been a catalyst for artistic innovation, producing multidisciplinary works that reflect contemporary issues while honouring our cultural heritage. As we look to the future, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of performance, fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders, and building sustainable practices that ensure the arts continue to thrive.

Art is not just a reflection of society but a force for change. It entertains, comforts, and connects us, strengthening our sense of belonging and inspiring us to imagine new possibilities. In a world shaped by challenges such as systemic inequities, climate change, and the aftermath of a global pandemic, the role of the arts has never been more vital.

75x75

A multidisciplinary project marking the 75th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Confederation with Canada. This groundbreaking initiative, funded by The Commemorate Canada program and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, features performances and interviews from over 75 individuals, shining a light on the cultural and historical significance of Confederation The Interview Series, led by senior CBC producer Rod Etheridge and journalist Sarah Antle, will focus on the diverse voices found throughout the province and time. The artistic series led by Rodger Maunder, Dave Howells, and Dru Kennedy will focus on artists interpreting confederation through their unique lens.

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February

By Laura Kaminsky & Lisa Moore

February is a powerful portrayal of the families whose lives were irrevocably altered when Ocean Ranger sank off the coast of Newfoundland, on Valentine’s Day, 1982 — all 84 men on board were lost.

Shifting between the past and present, we follow the fictional Helen O’Mara and her son John. Helen navigates the grief of widowhood and the struggles of motherhood, eventually learning to ‘let the light in’ and find love again. John, immersed in a career in the oil industry that killed his father, struggles with his ambivalence and aspirations when he unexpectedly becomes a father himself.

Based on the award-winning novel by Lisa Moore, February delves into the shared, enduring grief of a community struck by tragedy, and explores our paths forward in this world. 

Shanawdithit | 2019

Co-Produced by Opera on the Avalon & Tapestry Opera

Conductor: Rosemary Thomson

Stage director: Michael Hidetoshi MoriYvette Nolan

Cast 

Shanawdithit: Marion Newman

William Cormack: Clarence Frazer

Kwe, Spirit Chorus: Rebecca Cuddy

Peyton, Man 1, Spirit Chorus: Asitha Tennekoon

Simms, Man 2, Spirit Chorus: Evan Korbut

Demasduit, Dancer, Spirit Chorus: Aria Evans

Mother, Spirit Chorus: Deantha Edmunds

Crew

Lighting designer: Michelle Ramsay

Costume designer: Kinoo Arcentales

Set designer: Camellia Koo

Video: Cam Davis

Stage Manager: Kristin McCollum

Choreographer: Michelle Olson

Ours | 2018

We recognize that for those in school, adding a show to your budget might be a bit tight. But flash your official student ID and pop into our Dress Rehearsals for free! Can’t make it to the Dress? We also provide Student ticket prices to make all our productions more accessible.

Valid student ID and prior booking is required for free access to Dress Rehearsals.

Conductor: Judith Yan

Stage director: Glynis Leyshon

Cast 

Thelma: Cheryl Hickman

Thomas Nangle: Brett Polegato

Archbishop Roche: Roger Honeywell

Edward: Adam Fisher

Elizabeth Crowley: Elizabeth Turnbull

Field Marshall Douglas Haig: Stephen Hegedus

May: Lara Ciekiewicz

Michael: Ryan Bradford

John: Ryan Downey

Arthur Murray: Calvin Powell

Charlie Whitten: Aaron Sheppard

George Crowley: Michael Marino

Crew

Set designer: Patrick Clark

Video: Jamie Nesbitt

Lighting designer: Brian Kenney

SYMPOSIUM SERIES

We are committed to creating spaces for open, honest, and complex conversations. OOTA’s Symposium Series is presented in pairing with our annual MainStage production, exploring the issues brought to life on stage. Led by artists, activists, and community leaders, the Symposium Series is designed to build international context about artistic, social, and political issues that build the foundations of the works we present. 

OOTA SYMPOSIUM PHOTO COMMUNITY 1 scaled
15. OOTA COMMUNITY 2 3 DEC min scaled

Student Tickets

We recognize that for those in school, adding a show to your budget might be a bit tight. But flash your official student ID and pop into our Dress Rehearsals for free! Can’t make it to the Dress? We also provide Student ticket prices to make all our productions more accessible.

Valid student ID and prior booking is required for free access to Dress Rehearsals.

30 UNDER 30

Opera is for everyone! It’s a fascinating blend of multiple artistic disciplines and innovation coming to life on the stage. We are proud to offer our 30 Under 30 ticket discount — present a valid ID and you can purchase any MainStage ticket for $30. But beware: 30 Under 30 seats are limited, so don’t be stunned and miss out! Valid ID and prior booking is required for discounted rates for MainStage productions.
16. OOTA COMMUNITY PHANTON min scaled
SCHOOL TOUR OPTION 1 scaled

SCHOOL TOUR

Under 18’s are our future, and the future is art!

Opera on the Avalon delights in bringing the magic of opera to schools across the island through interactive and imaginative adaptations of fairy tales and stories.

Please contact us for more information, or join our mailing list to stay up to date with our Season.

Newsletter

9. OOTA YAP 3 MAGIC FLUTE min

With Support From


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