Vancouver Opera to Host A Conversation On Creative Adaptation

Opera Speaks will return to Vancouver Opera on April 22nd. Join panelists in person for this free discussion themed around Creative Adaptation. This lively 90-minute dialogue centres on the nature of adaptation in support of the upcoming production of HMS Pinafore.

"We are thrilled to once again host our engaging Opera Speaks program," said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. "Our focus on Creative Adaptation is perfectly timed with our upcoming creative presentation of HMS Pinafore. Panelist JD Derbyshire has been working with Pinafore director Brenna Corner on Pinafore's script adaptation. This is certain to be an interesting dialogue around the nature of adaptation and what can be creatively possible."

Six panelists and one moderator will discuss the ways we can creatively adapt pre-existing works into other types of art, crossing genres, mediums and beyond. Panelists have been drawn from some of Vancouver's finest writers, thinkers, and artists. During this event, they will share their thoughts on the challenges, joys, discoveries, ethics, and possibilities of adaptations.

Moderated by Dave Devau of Zee Zee Theatre, Vancouver Opera welcomes Idan Cohen (Ne. Sans Opera and Dance), Howard Dai (rice &beans theatre) , Christine Quintana (Delinquent Theatre), Adrianne Wurz (Vancouver Opera), Heather Pawsey (Astrolabe Musik Theatre) and JD Derbyshire (writer) to the panel.

Opera Speaks: Creative Adaptation is a free event starting at 7:30 p.m. on April 22 and will be at the Martha Lou Henley Rehearsal Hall at Vancouver Opera, 1945 McLean Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5N 3J6.

MODERATOR AND PANELISTS

Dave Devau

As an award-winning writer, Dave Deveau investigates queer themes that speak to a broad audience. His work has been produced across North America and in Europe. He is the Playwright in Residence for Vancouver's Zee Zee Theatre.

Idan Cohen

Idan Cohen is an opera director and choreographer. He holds a BA in Choreography from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and an MA in Dance-Choreography. He was born and raised in Israel, Kibbutz Mizra. The socialist community of the Kibbutz had a deep affect on his artistic life and work.

Heather Pawsey

Known for her creation of roles in new Canadian operas including Farshid Samandari's Kayoi Komachi / Komachi Visited (Tomoe Arts); Neil Weisensel's Stickboy (Vancouver Opera); Rita Ueda's One Thousand White Paper Cranes for Japan (Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra; Prague Modern Orchestra, Czech Republic; UA Ensemble, Amsterdam, Netherlands; West Coast International New Music Festival, Fukuoka, Japan). In addition to her busy performing career, Heather is the Founding Artistic Director and General Manager of Astrolabe Musik Theatre.

JD Derybshire

JD is a writer, comedian, mad activist, performer, playwright, theatre maker, director, inclusive educator and innovator. JD's work involves solo shows, community and artist collaboration, traditional writing, experimental storytelling, audio, digital interactions, event creation, participatory experiences, co-design and stand-up comedy.

Christine Quintana

Born in Los Angeles to a Mexican-American father and a Dutch-British-Canadian mother and is an actor, playwright, and co-Artistic Producer of Delinquent Theatre. In these various capacities, she has worked with Tarragon Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre Company, Bard on the Beach, The Cultch, Neworld Theatre, Electric Company Theatre, Rumble Theatre, Boca Del Lupo, Zee Zee Theatre, Caravan Farm Theatre, Ruby Slippers Theatre, Playwrights Theatre Centre, Pi Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Nightswimming Theatre, Belfry Theatre, Stratford Festival, and Young People's Theatre. Her writing has been translated and performed in Spanish, French, ASL, and German.

Howard Dai

Howard Dai is a Taiwanese actor, writer, and theatre artist. Recent co-creation/performance credits include: Passenger Seat (Library Performance Co.); e??a?" Little Shrimp (Carousel Theatre); Collider (Single Thread Theatre); and New Societies (re:current theatre). Howard works on the unceded land belonging to the xʷməθkʷəy?"əm, Skxwú7mesh, and səl?"ilwətaɁɬ Nations. He is currently an Associate Artist with rice & beans theatre and is a graduate of SFU's School for the Contemporary Arts.

Adrianne Wurz

Adrianne Wurz has been with Vancouver Opera for 22 years and currently holds the position of Director of Artistic Planning. She believes in the power of art to tell stories, evoke emotion, entertain, educate, and provoke discussion. Her classical music training is in flute and piano. In addition to her work at Vancouver Opera Adrianne is a member of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Chamber Choir and provides accounting and administrative support to Tree to Me Organics. Previously, Adrianne served on the Board of Directors of Turning Point Ensemble and Vancouver New Music.

ABOUT VANCOUVER OPERA

Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire, and entertain the community through voice, music and theatre. Vancouver Opera is the second largest professional opera company in Canada and is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions, country-leading education programs and innovative community programs. Learn more at www.vancouveropera.ca.

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