The Evolution of Female Indigenous Representation in Canadian Opera from 1879 to Present

Lunchtime Series

Indigenous Fulbright Scholar Camryn Dewar, citizen of the Red River Métis Nation, presents a lecture-recital; a bold initiative dedicated to reshaping the Canadian opera landscape by centering and amplifying Indigenous voices.

Through an innovative lecture-recital and public Q&A, the presentation uses opera as a vehicle for truth, reconciliation, and education.

Through analysis and performances of excerpts from Canadian operas Canada’s Welcome (1879) by Arthur Clappé and Frederick Dixon, Missing (2017) by Marie Clements and Brian Current, Shanawdithit (2019) by Yvette Nolan and Dean Burry, and the soon-to-be-premiered Empire of Wild by Ian Cusson and Cherie Dimaline, Dewar will illustrate in detail how the heritage of creative teams and creative inspiration of Indigenous operas impact Indigenous female representation for the better.

The presentation incorporates live operatic and piano performances that exemplify the evolution of female Indigenous operatic characters through the ages, as well as a visual presentation with lyrics and background historical information.