On October 13, 2019, Against the Grain Theatre’s La Bohème became Canada's first-ever livestream of a professional opera, in partnership with CBC Arts. Who could have predicted that a little over a year later, livestreaming and other remote performance formats would be the new norm?
As the performing arts community continues to come to terms with the effects of the pandemic, AtG is once again making history with Messiah/Complex, its daring new interpretation of Handel’s Messiah. Co-directed by AtG Founder and Artistic Director Joel Ivany and Banff Centre’s Director of Indigenous Arts Reneltta Arluk, this streaming filmed performance is both a response to the current pandemic and an effort to provide much needed hope for artists, arts organizations and audiences.
Truly national in scope, with singers participating from every province and territory in Canada, and a text that allows specific soloists to express themselves in their traditional language of choice, this “complex” production includes a huge cast – 12 soloists, four choirs, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
When asked about the effects of the pandemic and the message that students and performers can take from Messiah/Complex, Director Joel Ivany, a frequent GGS collaborator, and soprano Miriam Khalil (ADP ’04) had this to say:
Launched with a Live Watch Party on December 13, this performance is available online until January 7. In the true spirit of the season, it is offered free of charge with a pay-what-you-can option available.
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