by Jane Sheldon
Presented by Sydney Festival
Australian premiere
Struggle, exertion – where does it first show up in the body? In the breath. And that’s how Jane Sheldon’s poem for a dried up river begins: in summer darkness with the sounds of breathing floating over chirping cicadas. Gradually two sopranos emerge from the soundscape, their labour divided – instrument and words.
This riveting performance melds opera, poetry, physical theatre and art installation in a mesmerising, unique combination. Alice Oswald’s text about a figurine of a naiad trying to coax water from a bed of limestone ‘unfolds like a cry of environmental despair’. Sheldon’s exquisite palette of musical colours plays on contrasts: dry and wet, weak and strong, barren and fecund. Elizabeth Gadsby’s powerful installation mirrors the nymph’s exertions with the unrolling of a 200kg path of clay.
Jane Sheldon reunites with Sydney Chamber Opera for another collaboration filled with detail and nuance, and a profound sense of connection.
Photography: Gretchen Robinette
- Singers
- Jane Sheldon & Anna Fraser
- Installation & Design
- Elizabeth Gadsby
- Music Direction
- Jack Symonds
- Lighting Design
- Alexander Berlage
- Sound Design
- Benjamin Carey
- Choreography
- Danielle Micich
- Date & Time
- 6pm Wed 6, Thu 7, Fri 8 Jan; 3pm Sat 9, Sun 10 Jan
- Venue
- Carriageworks Bay 20, 245 Wilson St Eveleigh
- Duration
- 35 minutes
- Tickets
- $35-$39 Available here
- Acknowledgements
- This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
