The Black Spider

Loosely inspired by Jeremias Gotthelf’s 1842 novella, this unique opera intertwines two stories across centuries—one a medieval morality tale of good and evil, the other a modern-day mystery rooted in history.

In 15th-century Poland, a tyrannical landlord sets his villagers an impossible task: to carry an entire forest to the summit of a mountain. When a mysterious Green Man offers his aid, he asks for only one thing in return—a young girl named Christina. Her choice sets off a dark chain of events, awakening the evil Black Spider and bringing chaos upon the village.

Meanwhile, in the present day, reports of mysterious illnesses and deaths emerge from Kraków following the excavation of an ancient tomb. Could these strange events be connected to Christina’s tale from centuries past?

With 13 performers from the CCOC’s Young Artist Studio bringing this story to life, The Black Spider blends music, drama, and spoken interludes to deliver a historical comic thriller that promises laughter, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural.

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Host or Publisher Canadian Children's Opera Company