LSM Newswire: Culchahworks Arts Collective and Panamania presented by CIBC Present the world premiere of Obeah Opera A Nicole Brooks Vision in association with Nightwood Theatre and b current

Culchahworks Arts Collective and Panamania in association with Nightwood Theatre and b current proudly present the world premiere of Obeah Opera, a groundbreaking a cappella musical odyssey conceived, written and composed by Culchahworks Co-Artistic Director Nicole Brooks that runs Tuesday August 4 to Saturday, August 8 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in The Distillery District (Media Night August 6). Tickets are available at http://youngcentre.ca/ or by calling the Young Centre Box Office at 416-866-8666 and will be available at http://obeahopera.com/ within the week.

Obeah Opera is a hand clapping, foot stomping, spirit-lifting, magical musical sensation unlike any other opera before it. Steeped in Black music, sung entirely a cappella by a powerful, racially diverse all-female cast of 14, Obeah Opera tells the story of the legendary Salem Witch Trials from the fascinating perspective of Caribbean slave women.

Breaking new ground, this dramatic work redefines traditional opera by moving away from European classical standards. Unbound by any particular genre, Obeah Opera encompasses an array of musical styles - spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, traditional African, Caribbean Folk, Calypso, Ska, R&B and Reggae. What additionally makes this work unique and beyond the conventional definition of opera is that there are no musical instruments; just pure, compelling voice.

Culchahworks Arts Collective and Panamania presented by CIBC

present the world premiere of

Obeah Opera

A Nicole Brooks Vision

in association with Nightwood Theatre and b current

An epic a capella opera performed by 14 powerhouse women:

Nicole Brooks, Divine Brown, Karen Burthwright, Diana Coatsworth, Saphire Demitro, Deidrey Francois, Nickeshia Garrick, Sarah Gibbons, Janet MacEwen, Debbie Nicholls-Skerrit, Melissa Noventa, Dana Jean Phoenix, Sabryn Rock and international Calypso star Singing Sandra as The Elder.

Music and Libretto: Nicole Brooks

Directed by: Lezlie Wade

Musical Director: Andrew Craig

Choreography by:Anthony "Prime" Guerra

Lighting Design: Bonnie Beecher

Set/Costume Design: Robin Fisher

Sound Design by Graham Clarke

Produced by Derrick Chua, Marinda de Beer and Paul Shaw

Tuesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 8, 2015 (Opening/Media Night August 6)

Tuesday-Saturday @7pm; Saturday matinee @1pm

Baillie Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in The Distillery District

50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4