Adoration   is an emotionally intense opera that doesn’t shy away from topics like racism, violence and terrorism and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.  

We are honored to return to REDCAT this season with Beth Morrison Projects’   Adoration. Renowned for bold, thought-provoking productions, BMP pushes the boundaries of contemporary opera, tackling pressing societal issues through innovative artistry.   Adoration embodies this vision, offering a compelling and unconventional experience. Ahead of its West Coast premiere on February 19th, we invite you to explore this spoiler-free overview of what to expect from this powerful adaptation of Atom Egoyan’s 2008 film.

At its core, Adoration is a thought-provoking story about how hate takes root and spreads. It follows Simon, an orphaned high school student who, for a writing assignment, is encouraged by his teacher to reimagine a real-life act of terrorism—this time with his own parents as the perpetrators. When his story goes viral, it sends shockwaves through the internet, stirring up controversy and hysteria. As the truth about Simon’s family slowly unravels, the opera forces us to confront difficult questions: How is hate fostered in everyday people? How does intolerance take hold?  

Visually, this opera is just as striking as its story. The production uses a unique set design with projections that bring Simon’s writing exercises to life in real-time. You’ll see his words materialize through the projections, blurring the line between fact and fiction. If you caught our recent production of Madame Butterfly, you’ll remember how projections were used to show a film being made on stage. Here, they serve a totally different purpose, adding layers to the storytelling and even creating some haunting imagery, with characters looming over others in chilling ways.