Sophia’s Forest « City Opera Vancouver

Sophia’s Forest (2025)

Music by Lembit Beecher

Libretto by Hannah Moscovitch

Sophia’s Forest is a groundbreaking chamber opera by composer Lembit Beecher and Canadian librettist Hannah Moscovitch, that delves deep into the inner life of a young immigrant girl, Sophia, as she navigates the haunting memories of a childhood scarred by civil war. This poignant opera captures her emotional journey with striking intimacy and raw power, blending traditional operatic storytelling with cutting-edge innovation.

What sets Sophia’s Forest apart is its multi-disciplinary approach. It merges live performances with contemporary technology, including a mesmerizing mechanical sound sculpture that becomes an integral part of the narrative, interacting with the singers and musicians. The fusion of acoustic and electronic soundscapes offers a profound exploration of memory, trauma, and healing, creating an immersive experience that resonates long after the final note.

Lauded by The New York Times for its stirring emotional impact, Sophia’s Forest promises to take audiences on a transformative journey, where the lines between past and present, reality and memory, blur into an evocative, deeply human story.

Tickets

May 29, 2025 May 30, 2025 May 31, 2025 June 1, 2025

Dates

Thursday, May 29, 7:30 pm

Friday, May 30, 7:30 pm

Saturday, May 31, 7:30pm

Sunday, June 1, 2:00pm

Location

Studio T

Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
149 W Hastings Street, Vancouver

Run Time

Approximately 60 minutes with no intermission, followed by a Q&A with artists and special guests

There will be no late seating past the first few minutes. Please arrive on time.

Synopsis

When Sophia’s mother dies, Sophia confronts half-forgotten traumas from her childhood. Sophia and her sister Emma grew up in a
war torn country. The two young girls cope with and escape their grim circumstances – the adult world of war, death and displacement
– through the lens of fairy tales. As the fighting draws nearer, the family is forced to flee their home and make a dangerous journey
into a forest. Sophia’s child’s-view version of their flight includes mystical horrors. As Sophia tries to protect her sister Emma from
the evil in the forest, she makes a fatal mistake that forever changes the course of their lives.

Content Warning

Please be advised that this production contains mature language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. The opera grapples with the psychological effects of war, displacement, neglect and intergenerational trauma.

Accessibility

The theatre is accessible, but it will be helpful for us to know your needs in advance. The seating is not assigned, so if you need to sit closer to the exit, have difficulty with stairs or use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, please let us know. Reach out to Anna at manager@cityoperavancouver.com with your ticket dates and details about your needs as soon as you make your purchase.