Our Story

b current Performing Arts and Theatre Archipelago are two independent theatre companies in Toronto who have come together to stage the world premiere of Nicole Brooks' Obeah Opera. This Caribbean themed opera is sung entirely a capella (just voice, no musical instruments) by 5 leads and a chorus of 10 women.b current has been developing Obeah Opera for the last four years;  the full premiere production is February 16 to March 4 at the 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, as part of the Black History Month festivities in Toronto.

Set in the late 17th century, Obeah Opera tells a story of women silenced by the most infamous 'witch-hunt' in history. Tituba and a handful of Caribbean women imported as slaves into the American colony of Salem are arrested and accused of practicing obeah! A healing art seen only as blasphemy and witchcraft through the eyes of the local Puritans.We follow Tituba in the days before her capture, her incarceration, and her stand on trial in this uplifting operatic journey. Obeah Opera explodes myths surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, unravels the branding of obeah with evil and witchery through tying it back to its true spiritual nature rooted in West Africa, and finally, it gives voice to a group of women whose story has been missing from history.

We have raised some of the money needed through public funding but have fallen drastically short on the private and corporate funding support; even after continuously scaling back the size of our budget for the last three months but still aiming for cutting edge production aesthetics. With a top notch cast and crew, signed up to work on this ground breaking opera for way less than what they are worth, we see no more possible budget cuts. So, we are setting a 30-day challenge to raise $10,000 between now and opening night.

The Impact
 

Musicals are popular, and many people who don't usually attend live theatre go to see commercial musicals as a once-in-a-while night out. Obeah Opera is steeped in centuries of black music, and will definitely satisfy this once-in-a-while musical desire. Plus the subject matter will resonate and allow both casual and regular theatre audiences to enjoy ruminating well after watching. The show also affirms Caribbean cultural pride for the cast, crew and audiences alike! 

From early showcasing of Obeah Opera, audiences have been extremely excited. The anticipation was palpable 

during the 10^th rock.paper.sistahz Festival where a final previewing was filled beyond capacity (and another 20-30 people turned away for lack of standing room!). Feedback from audience members ranges from:

“The most profound piece of theatre I have seen in years” to “A fantastic odyssey”

And, “[It] speaks directly to my own background…” & “Can’t wait for the production"

 

While our box office revenue is a conservative projection, we cannot depend on this as a huge income stream. Your donation can help us to break even. Keeping us out of debt will allow us to  mount Obeah Opera and be in a good position to handle future new productions too.  

 

What We Need & What You Get 

We need to raise $10,000 in 40 days. With the funds we raise on indiegogo, we will offset any potential deficit. No amount is too small, and every dollar will go towards paying an actor, a designer or a stage crew. Your contribution gives us the peace of mind that come closing night we will be able to meet all our financial commitments for this production. You get our thanks in the way of your name listed as a sponsor, a special customized gift,  and everyone who donates can receive a charitable receipt for contributing!

 

Additional Ways You Can Help
  
Here are a few additional ways you can help us before opening night and through the run of the show: 

1. Facebook
    * Like our Facebook page and invite all your friends: 
 http://www.facebook.com/

    * Change your profile picture to our campaign poster (see our FB page).
2. Twitter
    * Twitter about the show and follow us at @obeahopera
3. Email:
    * Share our campaign link with friends, family, colleagues & more!
4. Other: 
    * Write about us on your blog and/or newsletters.

    * Write to your local and online media about us.

5 . Obeah Opera Website & Blog    
    * Read & share our blog, plus encourage others to buy tickets!

http://www.obeahopera.com & http://www.obeahopera.wordpress.com