The Wild Rose Opera Project
Vivian Fung joins The Wild Rose Opera Project, a series of four short operatic works from Edmonton Opera premiering online later in 2021. Each work explores mental health issues through characters with ties to the Alberta landscape. Librettist Royce Vavrek is collaborating with composers Ian Cusson, John Estacio, Vivian Fung and Bryce Kulak to create short works that will be filmed and streamed online.
With Ian Cusson
A micro-adaptation of Thomas King’s recent Indians on Vacation, the novel chronicles the Prague vacation of a contemporary Indigenous couple. The short opera uses three scenes to create a musical portrait of the protagonist, Bird, as he confronts his demons.
With John Estacio
A gay farmer deals with a depression born out of loneliness, but finds his outlook improve through the devotion of his beloved farm dog who watches as he comes to terms with his identity.
With Vivian Fung
An exploration of a family’s history dealing with the PTSD inherited from a history of genocide. Shown through a prism of a young woman who seeks context, but the pain (and truth) is concealed by the older members of her family.
With Bryce Kulak
A woman visits the Badlands and recalls childhood memories of her mother, now suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. An operatic portrait of generations of caregiving.