Discovering "Sanctuary and Storm"
Explore an incredible story of female agency across time and space
Embark on a celestial journey with Sanctuary & Storm, an award-winning opera by composer Tawnie Olson and librettist Roberta Barker. This immersive performance features the powerful confrontation between medieval luminaries, Hildegard of Bingen and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and unveils a timely discourse on power, respect, and liberation.
Guided by the ethereal Angel of History, the opera explores the cyclical dance of history and the shared struggle towards a common goal. Making its world premiere at IndieFest 2023, this innovative collaboration with re:Naissance Opera, Vancouver Opera, and the H.R MacMillan Space Centre promises an unforgettable operatic experience.
DISCOVER
Director’s Note
Since the beginning of time, light and darkness have always been co-existing forces needing the other to create balance and harmony. As each of us journey through space and time on our respective paths, we each approach self-actualization in our unique ways. Ultimately it is how we choose to balance our strengths and weaknesses/ebbs and flows and learn from others, that helps us towards fulfillment and wholeness.
Through Hildegard of Bingen and Eleanor of Aquitaine, both significant women leaders in their own light from medieval history, we are empowered to examine our understanding of agency and choice amongst nature and spirituality. Are we co-creators in shaping the world? Are we simply vessels through which a greater consciousness acts through and therefore we bare little to no responsibly for our actions, both good or bad?
Societies before us have had to reflect on such questions and societies after us will continue to do the same. With the time that has been gifted to us in the present, let us be encouraged in our collective efforts that our actions are not siloed. Through the awareness of nature and humanity’s co-existence, may we step that much closer into our own light and collective peace.
- Sheree Spencer
ALL ABOUT THE STORM