Sanctuary Song June 6, 2008

Tapestry and Theatre Direct present a world premiere in partnership with Luminato
SANCTUARY SONG
By Abigail Richardson & Marjorie Chan
A new opera/theatre production for all ages

Tapestry and Theatre Direct present a world premiere in partnership with Luminato, Toronto’s Festival of Arts & Creativity.
Sanctuary Song has its world premiere June 7, 2008 at 1pm at The Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs, running until June 14.
Sometimes the most beautiful friendships come in unusual sizes…

A remarkable 22-year friendship between man and creature culminates in a promise of freedom fulfilled and a joyful reunion when, after decades in captivity, an Asian elephant is brought to sanctuary.
Along the journey, her memories of childhood in the jungle, circus life and her solitary days in the zoo come alive through the emotional power of opera, evocative dance and stunning design.
“No more circuses. No more zoos.... You will be free!”

Inspired by a true story, Sanctuary Song is the result of a dynamic collaboration between two award-winning Toronto companies, who come together to tell a story from the point of view of a most unusual protagonist. An unforgettable opera for all ages.
Sanctuary Song was commissioned by Theatre Direct , with support from the Laidlaw Foundation, and developed in partnership with Tapestry new opera works with support from the Canadian Opera Creation Program at Opera.ca

Composed by Abigail Richardson
Written by Marjorie Chan
Music Director: Wayne Strongman
Director: Lynda Hill
Cast: Xin Wang (soprano), Alvin Crawford (bass) with Sharmila Dey & Frank Cox O’Connell
Orchestra: Michael Schulte (violin), Lizzie Lavado (piano), Ryan Scott (percussion)
Original Set & Costume Design by Kelly Wolf
Original Lighting Design by Andrea Lundy
Original Video Design by Luisa Quintavalle
Choreography by Viv Moore
Stage Manager: Kathryn Westoll

PREVIEW: June 6 at 7pm (Public Preview)
DATES OF RUN:
Public Performances:
June 7 at 1pm (World Premiere with Post-Show Reception)
June 8 at 2pm and 6:30pm
June 11, 12 and 13 at 7pm
June 14 at 2pm and 7pm
School Performances:
June 10, 11 and 12 at 12:30pm
TICKET PRICES:
Public Performances: $25 adults; $15 children & students; $70 family pack (4 people/must include one young person under the age of 14); $15 public preview; $15 artist & cultural worker price
School Performances: $12 for all tickets
*Gala (June 7 at 1pm w/ post-show reception): $150 Gala family pack (4 people/must include one young person under the age of 14) * performance-only tickets also available for June 7 premiere
VENUE: The Berkeley Street Theatre, Downstairs. 26 Berkeley St. Toronto, ON.
BOX OFFICE: 416-368-3110 / www.canstage.com or in person at Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street. Also available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca / 416-872-1111. On Sale April 18, 2008.
WEB PAGE: www.sanctuarysong.ca

Official Website: http://www.sanctuarysong.ca