BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE

northern alberta jubilee auditorium
February 1, 4, 6, & 7

In February, Edmonton Opera brought a profoundly moving production of Bluebeard’s Castle to the stage, where love took centre stage in a story shadowed by dementia.

Originating from the Theatre of Sound in London, UK, this contemporary reimagining offered audiences a deeply emotional experience. Each door Judith opened was a step into her past, exploring her memories and identity, making for a performance that was as thought-provoking as it was heartbreaking.

Directed by Daisy Evans, with an English translation by Evans and an arrangement by Stephen Higgins, this English-sung opera provided a powerful reflection on the complexities of the human mind and heart, all under the baton of Simon Rivard.

Post-Show Conversations

Following each performance, audiences were invited to stay for a panel discussion exploring Alzheimer’s and the themes of the production.

These discussions featured medical professionals, the creative team behind this reimagined production, artists, and other special guests, sparking meaningful conversations about the intersection of art, memory, and human experience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey—we are so grateful to have shared this unforgettable production with you. Click here for the full lineup of panelists.

Photos by Nanc Price

Krisztina Szabó & Russell Braun

Nicole Gaskell & Krisztina Szabó

Cathy Derkach

Nicole Gaskell & Russell Braun

Sawyer Craig

Simon Rivard & the Edmonton Opera Orchestra Ensemble

Sammy Ivany, Russell Braun, Ellie Morison

Nicole Gaskell, Sawyer Craig, Russell Braun, Krisztina Szabó

Krisztina Szabó & Russell Braun

Cathy Derkach, Ellie Morison, Russell Braun

Krisztina Szabó & Russell Braun

Sawyer Craig, Nicole Gaskell, Krisztina Szabó, Russell Braun, Cathy Derkach

Sammy Ivany, Russell Braun, Cathy Derkach, Ellie Morison

Simon Rivard, Krisztina Szabó, the Edmonton Opera Orchestra Ensemble


CREATIVES

Daisy Evans
Stage Director

Adrian Linford
Scenic and Costume Designer

Spencer Kryzanowski *
Assistant Conductor

Stephen Higgins
Music Arranger

Jake Wiltshire
Lighting Designer

Simon Rivard
Conductor

Christopher Gaudreault
Répétiteur

ARTISTS

Russell Braun
Duke Bluebeard

Nicole Gaskell
Memory of Judith

Sammy Ivany
River

Krisztina Szabó
Judith

Sawyer Craig
Memory of Judith

Connor Hoppenbrouwers *
Bluebeard Understudy

Cathy Derkach
Memory of Judith

Ellie Morison
Meadow

Rachael McAuley *
Judith Understudy

EDMONTON OPERA ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE

Laura Veeze
Leader of the Edmonton Opera Orchestra Ensemble
Violin

Keith Hamm
Viola

Julie Hereish
Cello

Flóra Acosta **
Clarinet

Christopher Gaudreault
Keyboards

Marc Blouin
Bass Clarinet

Rachel Côté
French Horn

* Participants in our Emerging Artist Residency Program
** Flóra’s participation is generously sponsored by the Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies