Opera Speaks: Alone In A New Land

Alone in a New Land: The Immigrant Experience in Canada

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 7-9pm
Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level
Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street
Admission is free. Seating is limited.

The title character in Vancouver Opera's world premiere production of Lillian Alling arrives in North America through Ellis Island, in New York, in 1927. Central to her story - a single-minded quest that takes her across the continent by foot and boxcar, into the wilds of northwestern British Columbia - is her experience as an immigrant. Alien, ostracized, exposed to danger and taking immense risk, her immigrant experience is a deeply moving undercurrent throughout the opera.

Canada's character has been built with the emotional and spiritual fibre of immigrants such as Lillian. Join a panel of experts and historians, as they portray the stories of individuals and families, from many lands, who have arrived on our shores. Panelists include Nick Noorani, prominent social entrepreneur, immigrant advocate and author of the best-selling book Arrival Survival Canada.

Opera Speaks is an ongoing series of free public events that engage the community in exploring the themes and issues arising from Vancouver Opera's productions. For more information about Opera Speaks, visit www.vancouveropera.ca