Coming down after a week of Opera Laurier performances of ‘Llandovery Castle’ I want to express thanks to so many people. First off, thanks to Kimberly Barber who embraced this new Canadian opera, and in her academic and administrative roles at Wilfrid Laurier University has brought forth two completely different productions, the first in 2020 (just skirting the pandemic shut down) and now in 2026.
The team that realized this production were phenomenal, roll-up-the-sleeves, hard-working creative people. Kate Carver as music director had a meticulous eye on my score and led the professional Laurier Alumni orchestra through 4 committed performances. Mabel Wonnacott, stage director, had a profound understanding of this period piece. She brought research and art together, organizing a display of historic First World War postcards in the lobby of the theatre. Her management of the staging was brilliant, and Carlyn Rahusaar Routledge’s massive set pieces brought a sense of height and weight to the large, open space of the WLU Theatre Auditorium. Lighting brought the scenes to life, designed by Lyle Franklin, vividly painting the action at sea, and the transformational final scene. The WWI Canadian nursing uniforms were faithfully rendered by Nicole Del Cul, and technical aspects were handled by Laura Johnson, LJ Sherratt, Umer Riaz and Andrew McAllister. Stage manager Jennifer Schamehorn, with assistants Madi Chong and Lexi Edwards ensured the shows ran smoothly.
Remarkably, in a wonderful example of experiential learning, many aspects of the production were executed by the opera students themselves. Costumes, makeup and hair, tech and set, marketing, publicity, and surtitles were handled by students who were also learning their music!
High praise for the extraordinary students, who sang multiple roles, doubled as ensemble singers, studied the historic period, and delivered moving performances. The cast: Amye Buchan, Emmanuel Dye, Lucy Gill, Nicole Hamilton, Amanda Jeffreys, Meghan Mair, Alexander Muth, Robert Pereira, Naomi Schlegel, Em Shepherd, Mackenzie Smith, Susan Taylor, Olivia Tremblay, Tyler Wilkie.
And finally, a tribute to the 14 nurses from across Canada who, having survived the horrors of war in Europe, died on the night of June 27, 1918 when their hospital ship was torpedoed, and whose story this opera tells – here are their names:
Matron Margaret “Pearl” Fraser, (New Glasgow NS)
Mary Agnes McKenzie, (Toronto ON)
Christina Campbell, (Victoria BC)
Carola Douglas, (Toronto ON)
Alexina Dussault, (St-Hyacinthe QC)
Minnie Folette (Port Greville NS)
Margaret Fortescue, (York Factory Man)
Minnie Gallaher, (Kingston ON)
Jessie McDiarmid, (Ashton ON)
Rena ‘Bird’ McLean, (Souris P.E.I.)
Mae Belle Sampson, (Simcoe County ON )
Gladys Sare, (Montreal QC)
Anna Stamers, (Saint John NB)
Jean Templeman, (Ottawa ON)
Congraatulations, Stephanie! Laurier is to be commended for its commitment to the production. Reading this, I wondered if this might be an interesting project for Edmonton Opera and its director Joel Ivany to take on. I assume you will be at Podium in May? Look forward to seeing you.
Len
It would be wonderful to have a production in Canada outside of Ontario. As you can see the nurses came from across Canada. Thanks for thinking of Joel and Edmonton opera! Yes, I will look forward to seeing you at PODIUM 2026 in beautiful Victoria.
Congratulations, Stephanie, on another fine production. Difficult as it may be to get a new work performed a first time, it may be even harder to have repeat productions. You’ve now managed 3 stagings of Llandovery Castle; that alone is a significant achievement. I’ve been hearing consistently ecstatic comments from a number of folks who attended last week’s performances. Brava, Steph!
Thanks for your support Howard. Yes it is rewarding to see that Llandovery Castle can be staged in a variety of ways – from concert version to fully staged and costumed. It might even work as an oratorio!