Portia White to be immortalized through opera
Black Canadian singer subject of Aportia Chryptych
TORONTO - Truro, N.S.'s, own Portia White was once heralded as one of the greatest contralto singers in the world.
Now, half a century after her death, a Canadian director and New York-based composer are hoping to reinvigorate her popularity and status as a Black Canadian icon through their opera, Aportia Chryptych.
Directed by mixed-media artist Howard J. Davis, who goes by HAUI, the show seeks to give White what she was unable to obtain during her lifetime—a place in the Canadian Opera Company.
"What a poetic justice to share Portia's story in the art form that rejected her in her lifetime," said Davis in a press release on April 10. "And, in sharing this, to be presented by the largest opera company in Canada... talk about justice!"
Composer Sean Mayes worked on the music for the opera, though he has not limited himself to the confines of the genre.
"The sound world is incredibly diverse," said Mayes. "You'll hear spoken word, rap, hip-hop, and R&B.
“But it also crosses into what most of us associate with quote-unquote 'opera' and takes place at the intersection where these seemingly divergent
worlds collide.”
'NOT A BIOPIC'
Although the opera reflects White's life, Davis doesn't want audiences to get the wrong idea.
"One thing that's important for audiences to know is that this opera is not a biopic," he said. The story begins at the end of Portia's life, as she's immediately thrust into the spirit realm, where she's fractured her body, her soul, and her spirit. And it ends up being a navigation of the intermediate realm, and how Portia must learn to let go of her earthly bonds in the hopes of ascension."
The idea is inspired by the bardo, a Buddhist concept of being between death and rebirth. Set designer Laura Warren considered this when designing the show, encompassing the opera in a "dark, reflective space" as projections appear to relay the events of White's life. This is accentuated by the lighting design of Bonnie Beecher, who has worked on over 400 productions.
Diséiye Thompson designed costumes around African, mid-20th century, and modern-day styles, while Aria Evans worked on the choreography and acted as the production's intimacy director.
THE CAST
Playing the part of Portia
Body is Canadian soprano Neema Bickersteth, who is well-known for her breathtaking performances in musical theatre internationally. Most recently, she starred in the award-winning 2023 production of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha. She is also the dramaturg for Aportia Chryptych.
American soprano Adrienne Danrich, known for her tender vocals, plays Portia Spirit. Canadian rock singer SATE (Saidah Baba Talibah) will perform alongside Danrich as Portia Soul. Rounding out the cast is Henos Girma, a student at St. Michael's Choir School, who plays Portia's son, Jimmie.
"It's so important for us to uplift Canadian figures," said Davis. "In the opera, we say Portia's name over 100 times — and I've done that deliberately, so we don't forget her. I hope people take away from this that we never forget her again."