In the novel “Empire of Wild” by Cherie Dimaline, a family of women embarks on a mission to rescue their missing husband from the clutches of the Rogarou, a werewolf-like creature, while also defending their land from corporate interests. The intense and captivating storyline propelled the book to the top spot at Indigo in 2019, surpassing renowned titles like Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments” and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
A substantial investment of around $4 million is underway to transform this compelling narrative into an opera, led by an Indigenous creative team. The world premiere is scheduled for next spring in Toronto, aiming to attract a diverse audience, including younger individuals and newcomers to opera, potentially challenging traditional opera enthusiasts.
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 familiar elements for Cusson, who recognized the Rogarou from his childhood stories. The collaborative effort between Dimaline and Cusson aims to present contemporary characters that modern audiences can relate to, including queer characters and a working-class family facing extraordinary circumstances.
The opera’s narrative delves into themes of power, resistance, and resilience, revolving around protagonist Joan’s quest to reunite with her husband amidst dark forces at play. The story draws inspiration from Métis folklore while showcasing a diverse cast, including talents like Marion Newman and Evan Korbut.
Embracing the concept of “survivance,” a term reflecting Indigenous resilience and resistance, the opera highlights intergenerational support and matrilineal strength. As Indigenous voices take center stage in bringing this story to life, the production aims to celebrate Indigenous culture and storytelling traditions.
Led by Indigenous creators, this opera represents a new era of Indigenous excellence across various fields, including art and culture. The creative team’s inclusive approach emphasizes the value of every contributor, fostering a collaborative circle of creation where diverse voices are heard and appreciated.
Composer Ian Cusson envisions this inclusive model of artistic creation extending beyond this opera, advocating for its adoption in other productions and opera companies to enhance the richness and diversity of storytelling in the arts.