Missing Live at the Isabel Bader Centre

Missing Brings a Powerful Story of Loss, Resilience, and Hope to the Isabel
Some performances entertain. Others challenge us, deepen our understanding, and stay with us long after the curtain falls. On Tuesday, September 29, audiences in Kingston will have the opportunity to experience one of Canada’s most acclaimed contemporary operas when Missing comes to the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
Created by Métis playwright Marie Clements and JUNO Award-winning composer Brian Current, Missing is a powerful chamber opera that gives voice to the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Through music, drama, and striking visual storytelling, the production explores the devastating impact of these tragedies while honouring the resilience of families, communities, and Indigenous cultures.
Set between Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and the Highway of Tears in British Columbia, the opera follows a deeply personal journey of grief, remembrance, and hope. Performed in both English and Gitksan, Missing offers audiences a uniquely Canadian work that blends contemporary opera with Indigenous storytelling traditions, creating an emotional and unforgettable theatrical experience.
Since its premiere, Missing has received widespread critical acclaim for its artistic excellence and emotional power. Critics have praised the production not only for its musical achievement but also for its ability to illuminate an important national conversation through compassion, humanity, and exceptional storytelling. The Whole Note described the work as “extraordinarily moving and thought-provoking… a landmark for the opera world.”
The Kingston production is led by Music Director Timothy Long, one of Canada’s foremost Indigenous conductors and musical leaders. Complementing the performance is an innovative digital set design by Andy Moro, creating an immersive visual environment that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
An outstanding cast of Canadian performers brings this remarkable work to life, including Melody Courage, Maeve Palmer, Marion Newman, Andrea Ludwig, Michelle Lafferty, Asitha Tennekoon, and Evan Korbut. Together, they deliver a moving portrayal that reflects both the pain of unimaginable loss and the enduring strength of those who continue to seek truth, justice, and healing.
Whether you are an opera enthusiast, someone interested in Indigenous storytelling, or simply looking to experience an important and meaningful work of Canadian art, Missing offers an evening that is both emotionally powerful and culturally significant. It is a reminder of the unique ability of the performing arts to foster empathy, reflection, and dialogue.
Best of all, this extraordinary performance is free to attend, although advance registration is required due to limited seating.
Event Details
Event: Missing
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston
Admission: Free (Registration Required)