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
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