A New Opera by Margaret Atwood and Christos Hatzis
Commissioned For Judith Forst
March 11, 2008: City Opera Vancouver today announced Pauline, a newly commissioned chamber opera created for the great dramatic mezzo Judith Forst. The work is based on the life, and final days, of Canadian writer, poet, and actress Pauline Johnson.
The music for Pauline will be written by Christos Hatzis and the libretto by Margaret Atwood.
Pauline deals with questions of dualism. Pauline Johnson (1861-1913) was a woman ahead of her time, traveling across Canada, the United States and Great Britain giving readings of her own work in an era when such female independence was rare and remarkable. She was the child of a Mohawk chief and a Quaker Englishwoman, always torn by loyalty and ambition. She was a popular stage figure who was in private deeply insecure. She lived her last years in Vancouver, and died a terrible death of breast cancer, treated by crude surgery and morphine.
Upon that death, Pauline's sister destroyed a number of letters that might have illuminated real personality and historic encounter. Pauline imagines what those letters might have said, and revealed, and intended.
“We are proud to offer a new opera to Judith Forst,” said Nora Kelly, president of City Opera Vancouver. “Such a gift to one of Canada's greatest singers is an honour for us.
“We are delighted to have Margaret Atwood write its libretto, and Christos Hatzis its music. Forst, Atwood and Hatzis constitute an unmatched trio of talent in Canadian arts and letters.
“Our opera deals with an important Canadian subject, and brings to its telling three of our most brilliant artists.”
Judith Forst has appeared on the great stages of the world, including La Scala, The Met, San Francisco Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Canadian Opera Company. Pauline is the first signature role written especially for her.
Margaret Atwood is one of the world's leading authors. She has long championed the vitality and historical importance of the 19th century literary and theatrical figure Pauline Johnson. Pauline was conceived by Ms. Atwood, and will be her first opera.
Christos Hatzis is one of Canada's most distinguished composers. His work is widely published, recorded and performed, and has earned numerous prizes. Pauline will be his first opera.
Pauline is the first opera commissioned by City Opera Vancouver, a professional chamber opera company to be resident at the restored Pantages Theatre in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Pauline will debut under the baton of City Opera' music director and conductor, Dr. Charles Barber, at a date in early 2010, to be announced shortly.
It was also announced that the dramaturge for Pauline will be Thomas Durrie. An offer has been made to a distinguished stage director, and is at the discussion stage.
A more detailed statement concerning the themes of Pauline and biographies of the artistic team can be accessed via the menu at left.
City Opera Vancouver operates in partnership with the Community Arts Council of Vancouver.