Douglas Williams
October 23 2024
as written by Marshall Pynkoski
What a pleasure it will be for all of us at Opera Atelier to have bass baritone Douglas Williams return to Toronto to sing the role of Polyphemus in our Fall production of Acis and Galatea.
Douglas is without a doubt one of the most versatile, chameleon-like singers I have ever worked with. For anyone who witnessed the smoldering sensuality of his performance as Antinoo in OA’s 2018 production of Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses, it seemed incredible that his portrayal as Figaro in OA’s 2017 production could embody such youthful exuberance and charm. The same incorrigible charm was evident in his portrayal of Don Giovanni in 2019, while his performance as Neptune in Idomeneo, also in 2019, merged seamlessly with the Artists of Atelier Ballet in terms of total body awareness and finesse of movement.
How hilarious to now have Douglas return to OA to perform the role of the hideous one-eyed monster Polyphemus in Handel’s Acis and Galatea. Talk about casting against type—who wouldn’t fall in love with this man? Thank goodness his rival for the affections of Galatea will be portrayed by the irresistible French tenor Antonin Rondepierre. This will at least put Galatea’s choice in the realm of possibility.
Costumes by Anna Watkins
Photo Credit: New York Times
costumes by Sydney Dufka
photo credit: John Ruduff
costumes by Isaac Mizrahi
photo credit: Mark Morris Dance Group