Seven distinct composers were selected and each created a song inspired by one of the seven means of inducing rapture. Individual stories, developed in response to each original piece of music, were created utilizing miniature puppetry and a single performer.
The seven musicians were carefully selected for their special gift of music and their own distinct sound. Each musician presented their top three favorite rapture themes from the seven themes selected; almost all were offered their first choice. Each composed their song- music only (no words or communicated story) inspired by their rapture theme of any length or style independently without further input.
To write the stories, research was conducted regarding rapture and the chosen ways to acheive rapture, in addition, images and ideas surfaced and were collected in meditative response to each musicians composition and corresponding theme. These images and ideas, guided by the collected data and research, were developed into stories and the stories translated into song lyrics (some spoken word) and images/ designs.
In a similar way, and in tandem, dolls and objects surfaced and were collected: arms and legs and tiny clothes from a thrift store in New York. A porcelin head found in South Africa. A suticase full of strange dollies that materialized one by one over months at the Goodwill.
A team of artists built and modified all of the elements in the show: turning barbies into marionettes, ripping off doll heads, building brothels, etc. These dolls and parts and additional handcrafted sets, props, and puppets were constructed.
In rehearsal, with the performer, director and stage manager, plus the odd outside eye, we continued to develop the scenes to the recorded music. Big picture story and meaning questions continually arose. Great technical challenges of the single puppeteer were presented and surmounted.
This unique artistic process culminated in the development of an original 60 minute puppet production featuring music and miniture puppetry, a solo performer and the work of over 15 artists.
The show was presented in Calgary last season for a brief run and is now packed up and ready to travel.
No comments:
Post a Comment