The only Canadian opera about black slavery in Nova Scotia, Canada in the early 1800s. The librettist, George Elliott Clarke, wrote a searing drama adapting the 16th century Italian tragedy of the Cenci family to bring to life the untold stories of African-Acadians and their slavery in Canada. The text was captured beautifully in music by the Toronto composer James Rolfe. The opera has toured to Dartmouth, Edmonton and a CBC TV film of the Queen of Puddings production has been broadcast nationally on CBC’s arts program “Opening Night.” Music – JAMES ROLFE Libretto – GEORGE ELLIOTT CLARKE Director – MICHAEL CAVANAGH Designer – CAROLYN M. SMITH Lighting – PAUL MATHIESEN Forces – 6 SINGERS, 7 INSTRUMENTALISTS “The Queen of Puddings Music Theatre Company has astonished and thrilled the Toronto opera-going public. I can’t recall attending such a gripping premiere in many years of opera-going.”       Opera UK “Make no mistake: Beatrice Chancy is the triumphant event of the operatic season. I felt I was face to face with the future of opera – and its breath was hot.”       The Globe and Mail “Monumental. Mesmerizing. Breathtaking.”       The Sunday Daily News, Halifax “Best of the City ‘99”       Toronto Life