“This opera recounts the story of a young and innocent governess employed at a secluded country manor as acting guardian to two orphan children,” Lafrentz said in an email to the Mercury. “She begins to encounter ghostly reincarnations of a former governess and valet, who she believes are returning to corrupt the children in ways that remain unclear to the audience.” The majority of The Governess’ time is spent probing the reluctant housekeeper for information about the past and obsessing over the felt presence of the former governess and valet. The character creates an increased sense of duty in a time of utter upheaval, both emotional and mental, after she is informed both the governess and valet are deceased.
Montreal
Quebec
Canada
Patrick-hansen
Stephen-hargreaves
Benjamin-britten
Avery-lafrentz
Schulich-school-of-music-pollack-hall
Mcgill-university
Opera-mcgill
Schulich-school
Pollack-hall