The Scorpions’ Sting, a production by Saskatoon Opera, stopped in North Battleford last week for a couple performances.
The Scorpions’ Sting is an opera for children based on the Egyptian myth Isis and the seven scorpions.
Cast members performed a number of roles, including those of explorers and of gods.
The Scorpions’ Sting is staged by Saskatoon Opera, and Grace Lang of Sobeys and Arinola Kayode-Fadare of Freedom 55 Financial helped bring the show to North Battleford.
Director and stage manager Erica McFadden said making the show was a collaborative process.
“It’s wonderful working with a group of people who were already so prepared, and the show kind of put itself together,” McFadden said.
Jean van der Merwe performed as David Sands, Osiris and as scorpions. Van der Merwe grew up in North Battleford and attended École Monseigneur Blaise Morand for a few years, starting in 2005. Van der Merwe also participated in youth choir, North Battleford Comprehensive High School drama club and local music festivals.
Van der Merwe recently finished studying at the University of Manitoba.
Performing in The Scorpions’ Sting, van der Merwe said, comes at a good time because the opportunity is a way into Saskatoon’s opera scene.
As well, in the show, “you get to perform for children so it’s not as high pressure and it’s a great way of flexing your [musical] muscles.”
Next for van der Merwe is Opera Nuova in Edmonton and participating in an intensive training program for opera singers, performing the role of The Baker in the musical Into The Woods. After that, van der Merwe said he plans to continue living in Winnipeg and auditioning for roles.
McFadden is heading to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for a master’s degree in Musical Performance.
Other dates on the tour have included Warman and Martensville. North Battleford is the farthest the group has been on their current tour.
Van der Merwe said participating in what the city offers artistically was “a great way to start off” a career.
“It’s pretty strong for such a small community.”
