INDIANS ON VACATION

Secrets are the ultimate souvenir

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | February 5, 6, & 7, 2026

A co-production with Against the Grain Theatre, and supported by the Yukon Arts Centre,
University of Toronto Opera, and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Be among the first to experience the world premiere of Indians on Vacation — a bold, poignant, and comedic new opera that brings Thomas King’s acclaimed novel to the stage for the very first time.

Indians on Vacation is a poignant and comedic slice-of-life opera about a contemporary middle-aged Indigenous couple. Based on Thomas King's novel (Indians on Vacation) this new opera composed by Ian Cusson with a libretto by Royce Vavrek was co-commissioned by Edmonton Opera and Against the Grain Theatre and is supported by the Yukon Arts Centre, University of Toronto Opera, and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Originally developed as part of Edmonton Opera’s Wild Rose Project, the full production stars Marion Newman as Mimi and Grant Youngblood as Bird. The story follows Bird and Mimi on a European trip inspired by a trove of old postcards from Mimi’s late Uncle Leroy, who absconded with a family heirloom a century ago. As the couple unravels the mystery of Uncle Leroy, Bird confronts his own inner demons.

Directed by playwright, director, and dramaturg Yvette Nolan (Algonquin), this opera also welcomes back Julie Lumsden, a proud member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, and is conducted by Simon Rivard.

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