Spirit Moon: Young People's Opera Society of B.C.
Article from: Opera Canada
Article date: September 1, 2008
Author: Jordan, Robert
More results for: Spirit Moon

Only four years young, Surrey-based Young People's Opera Society of B.C. has already mounted its second new work. With libretto by Artistic Director Patricia Dahlquist and a tuneful score by Music Director George Austin, Spirit Moon was rushed from nothing to a creditable staged production in only nine months. Even if a bit of tweaking is needed here and there, it is already an entertaining show.

After a five-performance run at the Surrey Arts Centre, the production was in good stride by the July 10 performance of its second run on an open-air stage at the Fort Langley Historical Site. This is where, 150 years ago, British Columbia became a Crown Colony--and the exact setting of Spirit Moon. To prevent the opera from becoming an occasional piece tied to that specific time and place, however, Dahlquist, with advice from Kwantlen First Nations playwright and archeologist Tony Dandurand, gave the central story a wider human resonance by keeping it separate from the historical event.

Two children, an English settler (Rose Timmins) and an Aboriginal (lyalwes), are swept away in a canoe on the Fraser River. Issues of trust and co-operation between English settlers and First Nations in a rescue attempt are the focus of the story, while B.C.'s history moves irrevocably forward. Throw in some dastardly ransom demands by the wicked "Wheelhouse Willie" Maloney, sung with gleeful relish by stage veteran Gordon Roberts, and you have a story with huge kid appeal.

Under the direction of Angus Stuart, the 37-member cast ranged from ardent amateurs to seasoned professionals. Impressive performances included those of 13-year-old Dodi Barillec as Rose Timmins and Michelle Bardac as lyalwes. There was also baritone Andrew Greenwood as a feisty Judge Begbie, Clarence Logan as Governor James Douglas and Gilbert J. Anderson as a noble and dignified Chief Cassimir. The most memorable stage presence was Katzie First Nations Elder Willie Pierre as Shxwla:m, the Spirit Guide to Rose and lyalwes. His throaty, primeval vocalism's rang with authority and power, his stage movements were deft and assertive, his bearing simultaneously regal and wild.

The pit ensemble, a nonet of strings and winds, was directed with a crisp authority by soprano Vicki St. Pierre, who substituted for an indisposed Austin while singing the Aboriginal role of Sp'oq'es from the conductor's chair.