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Pomegranate
125
English
Synopsis
The story follows a lesbian love affair that transcends time and space. On a school trip to the ruins of Pompeii, the fantasies of teens Suzie and Cass ignite. They are transported from 1977 to 79 AD, where they explore romantic freedom in a women’s mystery cult, only for their relationship to be threatened by a spurned male suitor and the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The timeline then shifts to 1981 and the Fly by Night, a Toronto lesbian bar, in the aftermath of the infamous Bathhouse Raids. As the reincarnated couple struggles to repair their love in the face of homophobia and family pressure, a tragedy unfolds, revealing a transcendent love
Composer
Kye Marshall
Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright
Amanda Hale
Year of composition/publication / premiere
2014/2019/2023
Genre
Opera
LGBTQAI+ category
Lesbian
Level of centrality
Main character
Characters
Suli / Suzie ; Cassia / Cass
Voice type
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano
Pronouns
she/her
Publisher / Rights holder
Canadian Opera Company co-commissioned the work with Vancouver Opera, but the score is likely held by the composer. Scores may be available through the Canadian Music Centre.
Where to buy / access the work
The work is not commercially available for purchase.
Performance rights
For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.
Official website
Audio recording(s)
Video performance(s)
Keywords
Lesbian love story, time travel, Pompeii, Toronto bathhouse raids, queer opera, Canadian opera, chamber opera, Kye Marshall, Amanda Hale