Canadian Theatre Legends Morris Panych and Ken MacDonald take "Flight"
A video conversation with Vancouver Opera's General Director Tom Wright
Today’s special video-edition of Inside Vancouver Opera features two of Canada's most celebrated creative minds, Director Morris Panych and Set Designer Ken MacDonald.
Partners in both life and art, their extraordinary collaboration has shaped some of the most memorable moments in Canadian theatre and opera. Leading today's conversation is Vancouver Opera's own General Director Tom Wright.
Flight is on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from February 8th to 16th. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca.
Ken MacDonald - Set Designer, Flight
A well-renowned set designer based in Toronto and Vancouver. Ken designs for major theatre companies across North America and began as resident designer for the Belfry Theatre. Ken’s work has garnered many awards including a Gemini, numerous Jessie Richardson Awards, a Betty Mitchell Award, a San Diego Critics Award, and several Dora Mavor Moore Awards. His opera credits include The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, Macbeth, The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro, Susannah, The Rake’s Progress, The Threepenny Opera, Flight, and The Overcoat. He has also adapted The Overcoat for CBC television.
Morris Panych - Director, Flight
Morris is one of Canada’s most celebrated playwrights and directors. His plays have garnered countless awards, including two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Drama (for The Ends of the Earth and Girl in the Goldfish Bowl), fourteen Jessie Richardson Awards (Vancouver), and five Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto). His plays have been produced in over two dozen languages and across the globe. He has directed over ninety productions across Canada and the US. Morris was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in 2021 for his CBC Gem webseries “Hey Lady!”
Tom Wright - Guest Host and General Director of Vancouver Opera
Tom has overseen the creation of more than 50 opera productions. He has stewarded the creation of new opera commissions, assembled the creative teams and development of VO’s new productions. He oversaw VO’s Education and Vancouver Opera in Schools tour programs and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program, assisting young singers to bridge the gap from post-secondary schooling to a professional career. He has also been responsible for facilities oversight and was instrumental in the creation of the Michael & Inna O’Brian Opera Centre that is now a cultural hub in East Vancouver.
Ashley Daniel Foot - Host of Inside Vancouver Opera
Ashley is Vancouver Opera’s Director of Engagement and Civic Practice and host of Inside Vancouver Opera. Boundlessly creative and fascinated by the way that art is created and presented, Ashley has guided arts organizations across Canada to craft messages and tell unique stories.
Mack McGillivray - Editor
Mack is a media producer, creating shows for radio and podcast. He is passionate about cultivating local community and a lifelong lover of opera.
Flight Photos - Pacific Opera Victoria’s 2020 production of Flight, featuring Emilia Boteva, John Brancy, Sharleen Joynt, Kimy McLaren, and William Towers. Photos by David Cooper Photography.