This June, audiences in Toronto have the opportunity to witness the Canadian premiere of 10 Days in a Madhouse, a gripping contemporary opera presented by Tapestry Opera in collaboration with the Canadian Opera Company, TO Live, and Luminato Festival. Drawing from the remarkable true story of investigative journalist Nellie Bly, 10 Days in a Madhouse brings to life an extraordinary tale of courage, truth-seeking and societal challenge through powerful music and dramatic storytelling.

Originally commissioned by Tapestry Opera and Opera Philadelphia, this bold work has already been lauded as one of the most compelling new operas of recent years, earning the title of Best New Opera from the Music Critics Association of North America in 2024.

The Story Behind the Opera

10 Days in a Madhouse takes its inspiration from Nellie Bly’s daring undercover investigation in 1887. Determined to expose the deplorable conditions and brutal treatment of women in the asylum on Blackwell’s Island, Bly feigned mental illness to be admitted and report from the inside. What she uncovered shocked the public and became a watershed moment in investigative journalism.

In the opera, Bly’s journey becomes a deeply psychological and evocative narrative, exploring how grief, trauma and women’s voices were historically dismissed as madness. The piece challenges audiences to reflect on themes of belief, power and the line between sanity and societal judgement — all set against a dynamic blend of electronic and acoustic music.

Creative Vision and Performances

The production brings together celebrated talents from the worlds of opera and theatre. With words by acclaimed Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch and a score by rising American composer René Orth, the piece is directed by award-winning theatre director Joanna Settle.

Canadian soprano Mireille Asselin stars as Nellie, guiding audiences through the emotional and harrowing journey of her undercover assignment. She is supported by an ensemble cast, including American mezzo-soprano Taylor-Alexis DuPont and baritone Jorell Williams, whose performances bring depth to the opera’s portrayal of asylum life.

The set design, by Andrew Lieberman, transports viewers into a world that is at once institutional and psychological — part asylum, part unsettling inner landscape. Combined with Sandra Horst’s nuanced musical direction, the production promises an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is musically compelling.

Performance Dates and Venue

10 Days in a Madhouse will be staged at the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Toronto known for its intimate yet grand theatrical setting.

The opera will be performed on the following dates in June 2026:

• Tuesday, June 16, 2026
• Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Sunday, June 21, 2026

Each performance invites audiences to immerse themselves in the emotional power and bold theatricality of this remarkable work.

Why You Should See It

10 Days in a Madhouse is more than an opera — it’s a profound encounter with history and humanity. By revisiting Nellie Bly’s courageous investigation, the production sheds light on how storytelling can challenge injustice and catalyse awareness. For theatre lovers, opera enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by powerful real-world stories transformed through art, this Canadian premiere is not to be missed.

Whether you’re drawn by the music, the history, or the emotional depth of the narrative, 10 Days in a Madhouse offers an unforgettable experience this summer in Toronto.