Video: Creative Team Talks APORTIA CHRYPTYCH: A BLACK OPERA FOR PORTIA WHITE at the Canadian Opera Company

Watch as lead creator, director & librettist HAUI and composer Sean Mayes talk about the exciting world premiere of APORTIA CHRYPTYCH: A BLACK OPERA FOR Portia WHITE. APORTIA CHRYPTYCH: A BLACK OPERA FOR Portia WHITE at the Canadian Opera Company.

"It's really a piece that brings her back to the collective consciousness," says HAUI. "It's not a biopic, we begin at the end of Portia's life."

Nova Scotian contralto Portia/">Portia White was the first Black Canadian concert performer to achieve international fame in the mid-20th century and was hailed as the best classical voice of her generation. Yet, despite her accomplishments, her story has been largely erased from Canadians' collective memory. Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia/">Portia White is a bold, new Black opera from Canadian director and librettist HAUI and Toronto and New York-based composer Sean Mayes that sets out to reclaim Portia/">Portia White's story. 

The world premiere presentation takes place June 14, 15, and 16, 2024 at the Canadian Opera Company Theatre at 227 Front St. E., with a special Q&A with the opera's creators following each performance. In celebration of Portia/">Portia White, opening night audiences are encouraged to wear white, honouring the Canadian artist's name, life, and incredible legacy.