Edmonton Opera has cancelled a planned new opera after consultations with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, patrons and community members from Treaty 6 raised concerns about the impact of presenting the work at this time.
Community guidance and concerns
In a statement released on 24 November, the company explained that the decision followed “thoughtful reflection and consultation.” Several Indigenous community members expressed that moving ahead with the planned production could cause unintended harm and would not align with current expectations surrounding reconciliation, cultural respect and responsible partnership.
Edmonton Opera noted that the consultations were a situational response to concerns raised locally and not part of a formal advisory committee. The company stressed that the cancellation “is not a reflection of the artists or their contributions,” but a response to the “environment of tension and division” that developed around the project.
The opera and its development
The cancelled project was Indians on Vacation, a new opera in development based on Thomas King’s novel, with music by Ian Cusson and a libretto by Royce Vavrek. The work was being developed in partnership with Edmonton Opera and was originally launched through the company’s Wild Rose Opera Project, which supports new Canadian compositions.
The piece featured mezzo-soprano Marion Newman as Mimi and baritone Grant Youngblood as Bird. It had previously been workshopped as a 10-minute scene and was being expanded into a full-length, 70-minute opera. The story follows a middle-aged Indigenous couple travelling through Europe after discovering old postcards left by a long-lost relative, combining humour with themes of family history and personal reckoning.
Reconciliation and institutional responsibility
Edmonton Opera said that stepping back from the project was consistent with its mission and values, particularly its commitments to listening, relationship-building and cultural respect. “Reconciliation is not symbolic,” the statement read. “It is ongoing, relational work that requires listening, humility and accountability — especially when decisions are challenging or uncomfortable.”
The company confirmed that it will honour all existing agreements with artists and collaborators despite the cancellation.
Next steps
Over the coming year, Edmonton Opera will work with Indigenous community members to develop a long-term framework for cultural collaboration and artistic consultation. This includes clearer processes for engagement, decision-making and ongoing dialogue with the communities it serves.
According to the statement, the company’s guiding principle is unchanged: opera must evolve alongside its community, and when faced with uncertainty, it will prioritise integrity, respect and care.
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