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Opera Mariposa

@operamariposa.bsky.social

Canada's first fully disability-led and run opera company, #MakingOperaAccessible and creating opportunities for emerging & underrepresented artists. https://operamariposa.com

148 Posts51 Follower 45 Folgt

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Heads up, chronically ill theatre artists & arts workers in Canada! A new research project is asking about challenges & experiences in the theatre sector - and what access measures would help make the industry more accessible. Learn more & take the survey by Aug 31: nightswimming.ca/research/col...

Gradient green and teal graphic with white text reading, Survey of Chronically Ill Theatre Artists in Canada. In the corners are logos for Pure Research and nightswimming.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Congrats to Mariposa Benefit + Awareness artist @liapas.bsky.social, who is starring in a new dance film featuring artists with #MECFS, #LongCovid, and other disabilities! Register for the free online premiere, coming July 29: www.eventbrite.com/e/unbound-gl...

Unbound: Global Premiere & Live Q&A

Join us online for the global premiere of Unbound followed by a live Q&A with the creators!

eventbrite.com

Lia Pas@liapas.bsky.social · 3mo ago

What if movement didn't have to be big to matter? Unbound is a film woven from 20 bodies, 20 stories, and 1 thread of connection. Join us for the premiere on July 29th at 6:30 PM ET. www.eventbrite.com/e/unbound-gl... A reflection on my process for this film on my blog: liapas.com/2026/07/11/u...

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 4mo ago

We’re excited to announce the final total from our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month. 🎉 Thanks to your support, we raised $11,090.91, bringing our charity fundraising total to over $160,000 since Mariposa started!

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Purple text reads, 'Opera Mariposa's Benefit + Awareness Month for the ME | FM Society of BC, May 1 - June 1, 2026.' In a white block, black text reads, ‘Thank you! With your help, we raised over $11,000 for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.’ At the bottom of the white block, two logos are placed: one for Opera Mariposa, which includes a red butterfly; and one for the ME | FM Society of BC, which includes a blue, purple and teal butterfly.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 4mo ago

✨Last chance to enter! For our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month, we’re giving away 3 prize packs featuring merch by chronically ill artist @graesalisbury.bsky.social plus amazing gift cards! To enter to win, visit PrizeDraw.OperaMariposa.com. There are 3 different ways to enter:

Rainbow graphic featuring the wording, enter to win: prize pack one. A model with long dark hair wears a blue t-shirt featuring a Blue Sunday illustration by Grae Salisbury, next to a mug and sticker featuring the same image, and a $100 Skip the Dishes gift card.

Yellow graphic featuring the wording, enter to win: prize pack two. Prize items scattered over the background include a tote with an all-over blue and white print featuring a floral design interspersed with chronic illness essentials like a hot water bottle, sleeping mask, headphones, N95 and more. Alongside the tote bag is a mug with the same print; a sticker featuring a sleeping mask surrounded by forget-me-not flowers; and a $75 Lee Valley gift card.

Pink graphic featuring the wording, enter to win: prize pack three. A model with short brown hair wears a blue t-shirt featuring the Blue Sunday title design alongside a teapot and teacup, illustrated by Grae Salisbury. Next to the model is a mug featuring the same design; a sticker featuring the teapot and teacup; and a $75 Redbubble gift card.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

What is #LongCovid (#LC)? LC is characterized by persistent symptoms or new health issues following an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can have a delayed onset and last from weeks to years.

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Teal text reads: 'LC is characterized by persistent symptoms or new health issues following an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can have a delayed onset and last from weeks to years.’

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Teal text reads: 'LC can cause over 200 symptoms, including debilitating fatigue and post-exertional malaise, breathing problems, heart problems, blood vessel damage, blood clots, immune system damage, reproductive issues, and neurological issues like memory loss. It can lead to new lifelong conditions, including ME.'

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Teal text reads: 'At least 1 in 9 Canadian adults and 400 million people worldwide have developed LC as of 2024, and numbers continue to rise. The majority have not recovered. The government of Canada has referred to LC as a “potential mass disabling event.” Learn more about LC at Benefit.OperaMariposa.com'

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

What is #Fibromyalgia (#FM)? FM is a complex chronic illness characterized by widespread burning pain and severe fatigue. It’s ranked as one of the 20 most painful health conditions.

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Purple text reads: 'What is Fibromyalgia (FM)? FM is a complex chronic illness characterized by widespread burning pain and severe fatigue. It’s ranked as one of the 20 most painful health conditions.'

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Purple text reads: 'FM can cause debilitating symptoms including cognitive impairment (“brain fog”), digestive issues, severe sleep problems, and autonomic dysfunction. Symptoms can vary from person to person and day to day.'

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Purple text reads: 'FM affects over half a million Canadians and at least 2–3% of people worldwide. It’s one of the most common causes of chronic widespread pain. Learn more about FM at Benefit.OperaMariposa.com'

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

What is #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis (#MECFS)? ME is a complex chronic disease characterized by debilitating exhaustion unrelieved by sleep and symptoms that worsen after even minor activity.

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Blue text reads: 'What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)? ME is a complex chronic disease characterized by debilitating exhaustion unrelieved by sleep and symptoms that worsen after even minor activity.'

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Blue text reads: 'ME affects many body systems and can cause everything from chronic pain and muscle weakness to heart issues, immune problems, cognitive dysfunction, and malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system. 75% of people with ME cannot work and the illness has the lowest quality-of-life score of all common diseases.'

Graphic with a purple and blue butterfly resting on a purple flower, amidst a misty blue background and green field. Blue text reads: 'Prior to the pandemic, ME affected over half a million Canadians and 17–24 million people worldwide. Around 80% of ME cases are triggered by infectious illnesses and the number of people with ME is increasing exponentially due to COVID.'

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Help us reach our goal! 💙💜💚 Together, we’re raising funds for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis, #Fibromyalgia, and #LongCovid. All proceeds go to @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social.

A progress bar is centered on a pale blue background, showing that $2470.75 out of $3000 has been raised. Above, dark blue text reads: “Help us reach our goal! Together, we’re raising funds for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.” Below, blue text reads: “Benefit.OperaMariposa.com.” At the bottom of the image, two logos are placed: one for Opera Mariposa, which includes a red butterfly; and one for the ME | FM Society of BC, which includes a blue, purple, and teal butterfly.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Check out our online music, video, and art showcases! 🎭 Watch opera highlights and musical moments from past events. 🎵 Stream or download studio singles. 🎨 Enjoy multidisciplinary art by other chronically ill creatives. 💙 Listen to artists share about their journeys with chronic illnesses.

A colourful four-by-four grid of visual art and musical performances. Below it on a blue background are the butterfly logos of Opera Mariposa and the ME | FM Society of BC.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Shop for a cause! 🛍️ As part of our Benefit + Awareness Month, every item in our store supports @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social. This year’s merch features beautiful illustrations by chronically ill artist graesalisbury.bsky.social. Check out the collection at Benefit.OperaMariposa.com!

Merchandise collection featuring Grae Salisbury’s blue-and-white Blue Sunday illustrations. Items include: a white phone case with blue floral art and chronic illness essentials like a hot water bottle, sleeping mask, headphones, and N99 mask; a blue-on-white sticker of a sleeping mask with forget-me-nots; blue socks with a dark blue repeating pattern of compression socks and leaves; a round blue pin showing a dark blue walker surrounded by leaves; a blue t-shirt featuring the main illustration worn by a model; plus a blue tote bag and card with the same design. The main illustration shows a teapot pouring tea into a teacup next to a spoon, all decorated with forget-me-nots. Victorian lettering reads “Blue Sunday” over a ray-of-light background. A border frames the scene with twining flowers and butterflies, plus spoonie essentials like compression socks, hot water bottle, N99 mask, sleeping mask, headphones, walker, and pill bottle.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Thank you so much for participating in #BlueSunday2026, the #TeaPartyForME2026, today! Whether you hung out with @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social and us over Zoom for tea, had a cup on your own time, wore blue, or curled up in bed, we hope you felt the community support and love 💙

Screenshot of a Zoom meeting featuring people of all ages and genders, some with cameras on and some with cameras off. Those with cameras on are raising mugs of tea with smiles on their faces, many of them wearing blue.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

For our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month, artist @graesalisbury.bsky.social created this beautiful design for #BlueSunday2026, the Tea Party for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis.

A delicate blue poster illustration features a teapot pouring steaming tea into a teacup, next to a spoon, all decorated with forget-me-not flower patterns. Victorian lettering reads, Blue Sunday, over a background washed in rays of light. Around the border is a frame of twining flowers, butterflies, and spoonie essentials like compression socks, a hot water bottle, an N95 mask, a sleeping mask, headphones, a walker, and a pill bottle.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Today is May 12th, the International Awareness Day for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis (ME or #MECFS), #Fibromyalgia (FM), and other chronic neuro-immune diseases. 💙💜

A close-up, cropped photo of two white hands gently holding a blue and purple awareness ribbon from opposite ends. The person is wearing a cream-coloured sweater, and only their torso is visible. At the bottom of the image, two logos are placed: one for Opera Mariposa, which includes a red butterfly; and one for the ME | FM Society of BC, which includes a blue, purple, and teal butterfly.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

For our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month, @graesalisbury.bsky.social created the beautiful Blue Sunday design!

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Have a cup of tea for the cause with us! 🫖 As part of our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month, we're celebrating Blue Sunday, the worldwide tea party for #MECFS. On Sunday, May 17, at 1 pm Pacific / 4 pm Eastern, join us on Zoom for an online community gathering hosted by @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social

Light blue graphic featuring an illustration of a Victorian teapot, teacup and spoon decorated with forget-me-nots, surrounded by decorations of flowers and butterflies and featuring the butterfly logos of Opera Mariposa and the ME | FM Society of BC. Text reads, Opera Mariposa cordially invites you to Blue Sunday. Hosted by the ME | FM Society of BC. Join our online tea party fundraiser. Sunday, May 17, 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET on Zoom. Learn more: BlueSunday.OperaMariposa.com

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

When you support our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month, you're joining us in helping the rising number of people impacted by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Long Covid and Fibromyalgia (FM), including many of our artists and team members.

Two butterfly logos are shown on a white background: a blue, purple and teal one for the ME | FM Society of BC, and a red one for Opera Mariposa. A speech bubble illustrates that the red butterfly says: "What does the ME | FM Society of BC do?” A second speech bubble illustrates that the blue, purple and teal butterfly says: "We educate, inform and increase awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Long Covid and Fibromyalgia (FM)."

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 5mo ago

It’s finally May! 🌷 Our 2026 Benefit + Awareness Month is now LIVE, honouring the International Awareness Month for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis and #Fibromyalgia (ME & FM). Join us at Benefit.OperaMariposa.com in support of the #ChronicIllness community and @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social:

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Congrats to our friends at @essentialopera.bsky.social on the launch of their debut album 🎶 We already have our copy - have you checked it out yet? Discover this collection of five one-act chamber operas today: www.essentialopera.com/music

Music — Essential Opera

essentialopera.com

Essential Opera@essentialopera.bsky.social · 8mo ago

On a snowy Toronto evening in February 15 (!) years ago today, we had our first show: Le Nozze di Figaro! To celebrate, we’re sharing the cover art and to pre-save link for our debut album: leaf-music.lnk.to/lm279 The album is out April 17! @erinsopran.bsky.social @maureenbattsoprano.bsky.social

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 7mo ago

So excited for the newest premiere from our friends at OperaQ! 'La Maupin' is a bold new musical film exploring the true(ish) life story of legendary queer opera singer, swordswoman, and gender-defying icon Julie d’Aubigny. #opera #QueerOpera #CanadianOpera #NewOpera #QueerHistory #LaMaupinFilm

Against a black background is an illustration of a white woman in a seventeenth century suit and feathered hat holding a sword, in a colour palette of purples, greens, blues and wine red. Text reads, La Maupin: a musical film. Small white logos feature the Community One Foundation, Tapestry Opera, Canada Council for the Arts / Conseil des arts du Canada, and OperaQ.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 10mo ago

[Content warning: loss] Opera Mariposa is saddened to announce the passing of our longest-standing volunteer. Gum Chu Cheong (a.k.a. @itsjacquelineko.bsky.social & @sinistralscribe.bsky.social's maternal grandfather, a.k.a. “Gung Gung”), passed away peacefully on Nov 28, 2025 at the age of 95.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Happy International #DisabilityDay! Today we're celebrating the wonderful disabled creatives we've been blessed to work with at Opera Mariposa - and encourage you to check out our roundup of resources about accessibility in the performing arts at operamariposa.com/resources/! #IDPD

Resources

Discover some of our top resources for accessibility in opera and the performing arts - plus the new archival home of 'Opera and Disability'.

operamariposa.com

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Ten thousand thanks to everyone who supported our 2025 Benefit + Awareness Month! With your help, we raised $10,626.98 for @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social and people with #MECFS, #LongCovid & #fibromyalgia - which brings our charity fundraising total to over $150,000 since Opera Mariposa started! 1/3

In front of an artistic photo of blue, teal and purple cupcakes, an aqua circle contains the text, Thank you. With your help, we've raised $10,626.98 for ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Fibromyalgia. At the bottom of the circle are the butterfly logos for Opera Mariposa and the ME | FM Society of BC. At the top is a translucent watercolour image of a purple butterfly.

A Chronic Voice @achronicvoice.com · last yr.

"In these pieces, multidisciplinary #artists with #MECFS, #LongCovid and #Fibromyalgia have done just that – fusing #art and #advocacy to reveal life with invisible and invisibilized illnesses.": buff.ly/lP9G9zB via @operamariposa.bsky.social

Benefit + Awareness Month Art Showcase

In these pieces, multidisciplinary artists with ME and Fibromyalgia fuse art and advocacy to illuminate life with “invisible” illnesses, and the hidden challenges faced by the chronic illness…

buff.ly

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Catch Mariposa co-founder Robin Hahn on a special 50th episode edition of the @artsably.com podcast! Coming June 13th - more info at www.eventbrite.ca/e/artsably-i... Access: Live on Zoom & recorded. Captions & transcript. Audience members can join w/ camera & mic off. Includes Q&A.

ArtsAbly in Conversation #50 - Special episode - Live online discussion

Let's celebrate episode 50 with talented artists at ArtsAbly in Conversation - an online event celebrating creativity and inspiration!

eventbrite.ca

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Tomorrow (June 1) is the last chance to enter our Benefit + Awareness prize draw! We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has joined us so far in support of @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social and the rising number of people affected by #MECFS, #LongCovid, and #fibromyalgia.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Huge thanks to Chinatown's Kam Wai Dim Sum 金威點心, who is supporting our Benefit + Awareness Month for another year! This family-run company is donating $100 in gift cards for ready-to-eat takeaway or dim sum classics you can prepare at home.

Closeup of some plump dumplings on a red plate inside a bamboo steamer basket, with a pair of chopsticks resting on them. Other dim sum delicacies can be glimpsed laid out on the surrounding table.

Closeup of wonton dumplings and green onions in broth, in a blue bowl on a red background

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Our #BAMonth2025 prize draw features over $1,000 in gift cards & gift certificates - included from Canadian food delivery service Skip (previously Skip The Dishes) and Lee Valley Tools! Check out all the prizes at prizedraw.operamariposa.com, then #EnterToWin til June 1 in support of charity.

Orange Skip gift card with white text, superimposed over platters of colourful vegetarian food

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

Many thanks to Tesla Adrianne for joining us for #BAMonth2025! There are just 5 days left to #EnterToWin over $3k in amazing prizes in support of @mefmsocietyofbc.bsky.social, including a consultation + 2 hours of remote administrative support from Tesla: prizedraw.operamariposa.com

Closeup of a white woman's hands typing on a laptop, her arms clothed in yellow sleeves.

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

NOW ON YOUTUBE ▶️ In honour of #BAMonth2025, join opera artist & researcher @skycameron.bsky.social as they discuss how developing #LongCovid has transformed their artistic practice and their relationship to the opera industry. Check it out: youtu.be/jxFitb1nxyw?...

How does Long Covid affect an opera singer? | Sky Cameron

How does Long Covid affect an opera singer? @skylarcameron5123 shared their story with us for Opera Mariposa’s 2025 Benefit + Awareness Month. Sky also adde...

youtu.be

Opera Mariposa @operamariposa.bsky.social · last yr.

How does #LongCovid affect an opera singer? Opera artist, educator, researcher, & community care worker @skycameron.bsky.social shares their story with us for our 2025 Benefit + Awareness Month - catch the video premiere tomorrow, May 27, at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET: youtu.be/jxFitb1nxyw?...

How does Long Covid affect an opera singer? | Sky Cameron

How does Long Covid affect an opera singer? @skylarcameron5123 shared their story with us for Opera Mariposa’s 2025 Benefit + Awareness Month. Sky also adde...

youtu.be