In Cherie Dimaline’s book “Empire of Wild,” a trio of women across different generations grapple with freeing their family member from the clutches of the werewolf-like Rogarou. Their mission is to locate a missing spouse and safeguard their territory from corporate encroachment.
The narrative, characterized by its raw, alluring, and intense nature, was recognized as the top book of 2019 by Indigo, surpassing acclaimed works such as Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments” and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
An investment of approximately $4 million is underway to support an Indigenous-led team in transforming the book into an opera, culminating in a world premiere scheduled for next spring in Toronto. This bold initiative aims to attract a younger audience and newcomers to opera, potentially challenging traditionalists favoring established repertoire.
Set in the Georgian Bay Métis community of Penetanguishene, Ontario, where author Cherie Dimaline and composer Ian Cusson hail from, “Empire of Wild” resonates with personal connections. Cusson, inspired by the familiar Rogarou tales from his upbringing, emphasized the contemporary relevance of such narratives in the opera medium.
The collaborators sought to craft relatable modern figures for today’s audiences, including LGBTQ+ characters and a working-class family navigating extraordinary circumstances. This unconventional production, described as a cinematic experience on steroids, embraces elements of horror while catering to the preferences of younger viewers.
Elisabeth St-Gelais, embodying the lead role of Joan, praised the story’s relatability to a younger demographic, highlighting the protagonist’s flawed yet human traits amid personal turmoil. At its core, “Empire of Wild” explores themes of power, resistance, and endurance, underscored by ancestral wisdom and matriarchal strength.
The narrative draws inspiration from Métis folklore, brought to life by a diverse cast featuring Indigenous talents like Marion Newman and Evan Korbut. Through their portrayals, the opera conveys a universal truth of resilience and survivance shared among Indigenous communities.
This groundbreaking opera, championed by Indigenous creators like costume designer Jeff Chief and director Yvette Nolan, embodies a collaborative and inclusive artistic process. Cusson envisions this model of creation as a blueprint for future opera productions, emphasizing the value of every individual’s contribution within a harmonious circle of creativity.