What is life like through the eyes of an elephant? Is it lush and green, or lonely and chained? Sydney has experienced it all, and is here to tell the tale. Sanctuary Song, libretto by Marjorie Chan 陳以珏, composed by Abigail Richardson-Schulte, and directed by Michael Hidetoshi Mori, is an opera for all ages about Sydney the elephant, and the remarkable life she’s led. With stunning vocalists and dynamic performances, you’ll want to bring the whole family to Tapestry’s new home on Yonge Street.

Sydney is an Asian elephant who grew up in the forests with her friend, Penny. When a poacher captured the two, Sydney didn’t know if she’d ever see Penny again. Sydney spends years performing in the circus, her only solace being that she could see people while she performed, and she loved making the children happy with her dancing. But when a fire on their transport ship crushes Sydney’s leg, she’s no longer able to perform. She then spends 22 years in a zoo, with her handler James. Though the two get off to a rocky start, they quickly form a friendship which takes them through the next two decades. Now, Sydney is on her way to a sanctuary in Tennessee, unsure of what, and who, awaits her when she arrives.

As this is a performance for young opera-lovers as well, the show has a very fun and engaging beginning, with the ringmaster providing some pre-story entertainment. Entering on stilts, he immediately garners attention, and then he begins combing the audience for volunteers to help him with some magic tricks! Even his multiple attempts at making an entrance rouse laughter from the audience, and I can only imagine how much the little ones will love such a fun start to this piece.

Sanctuary Song’s big top set design extends into the foyer of the theatre as the ticket booth resembles one from a carnival and the smell of fresh popcorn wafts from the concession stand. Jung-Hye Kim’s set and costume design for this production make everything recognizable but with a few tricks up their sleeves…or trunks. The background of the set is comprised of thin slats, so the shadow puppetry is able to be seen through them, but also the performers are able to maneuver through and behind them. The elephant costumes were definitely my favourites, with their right arm being used as their trunk and the textured fabric mirroring the rough skin of an elephant. I also loved that they had little tails, so that when Sydney and Penny are walking together, one can use their trunk to hold onto the tail of the other, just like real elephants do! I’ll be excited to see how the space looks in its other configuration, as this production uses the full width of the space. While it means that the audience is right in the action, it also didn’t leave much of a path between the playing space and the front row for folks to get in and out.

Having the orchestra on stage is another added element of spectacle to Sanctuary Song. Led by Gregory Oh, this dynamic trio of performers play Richardson-Schulte’s score beautifully. Aysel Taghi-Zada on the violin, Talisa Blackman on the piano, and Ryan Scotts’ many percussion instruments create immense soundscapes through which we travel with Sydney. 

Midori Marsh stars as Sydney and her performance is entrancing. From her powerful voice to her elegant and graceful movements, she fully becomes this delightful elephant. Alvin Crawford plays her handler James and his beautiful voice is a perfect companion to Marsh’s. His gentle nature comes through in James, giving him such a kind and caring disposition. Courtenay Stevens plays the ring master, along with the hunter and zoo worker. His comedic timing and dynamic showmanship make him an absolute riot to watch. Rounding out the cast is Elvina Raharja as Penny and one of the circus attendees Sydney meets. Her physicality as Penny is fantastic, rolling on stage and with all the energy of a young and excitable little elephant. These four performers are clearly putting their hearts into this piece; it shines through in every moment. 

They say and elephant never forgets, and it’ll be hard to forget Sanctuary Song. A moving story of love and friendship in its many forms, Sanctuary Song will help you see and feel life through the eyes of Sydney the elephant. And hopefully, this sixty minute performance will get even the youngest of audience members interested in the world of opera!

Sanctuary Song runs at the brand new Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre until May 25. For more information and tickets, visit: https://tapestryopera.com/performances/sanctuary-song/

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Cover Photo: Set Design by Jung-Hye Kim. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

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