Review: Canadian Opera Company’s “Fidelio” is an Exhilarating Triumph About Justice, Hope, and the Power of True Love

By: Curtis Sindrey –
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Clay Hilley as Florestan and Miina-Liisa Värelä as Leonore in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Fidelio, 2023. (Photo: Michael Cooper)

The Canadian Opera Company’s new production of Fidelio is a vivid reminder that history is bound to repeat itself. Relevant as it was when it was written by Beethoven 200 years ago as it is in our politically divided modern age, Fidelio tells the story of Leonore, who, under suspicion that her husband is being held captive as a political prisoner at a local prison, disguises herself as a man named Fidelio to gain the trust of the chief jailer Rocco (Dimitry Ivashchenko) and break her husband out of prison. Effortlessly played by Miina-Liisa Värelä, you felt every moment of Leonore/Fidelio’s journey as she ventured deeper and deeper into the dark depths of the prison, and every bit of her anxiety of being found out. 

The action shifts into high gear when the minister announces that he will be visiting for a surprise inspection due to prison governor Don Pizarro’s poor treatment of the political prisoners. Upon overhearing a conversation about the visit, Leonore finesses Rocco to allow her to assist him with digging a grave for the governor’s sworn enemy Florestan (Clay Hilley). While in the sub-basement of the prison, Leonore recognizes the near-death prisoner as her husband and things start to get really real, really quick as she tries to hide her true intentions of busting him out and tries to stay in character as the ever masculine Fidelio. Pizarro, filled with an insatiable blood lust for Florestan, enters the sub-basement with murder on his mind as Leonore, in an act of heroism, and braveness as she cuts off the governor and unveils her true identity as Leonore. This plot twist was tremendous as you got swept up into the story (and the beautiful set design), as the music swelled. 

Cue the celebration as the minister arrives to save the day. Pizarro is taken away, Florestan’s both literal and metaphorical chains are removed and the show ends with all of the prison cells bursting open into the fresh air and sunlight as the villagers revel in the celebratory atmosphere. As the finale of Fidelio took hold, you couldn’t help but join in with the intoxicating air of joy and celebration by clapping in your seat.  

Overall, Fidelio is an exhilarating triumph about justice, hope, and the power of true love. It made you feel optimistic for the future, and that despite all our societal misunderstandings and division that we all want to be happy, and free from oppression, political corruption and tyranny. It made you feel like despite all obstacles, true love is possible, and that it wasn’t just some concept that a dating app is trying to sell you. And ultimately it made you feel like you weren’t alone, and that’s really the most important thing to celebrate.

Fidelio runs until October 20th at the Four Seasons Centre. Buy tickets here.