Mie is a new, ninety-minute contemporary music theatre work by Catherine Kontz. It is going to have a run of six performances at the Space Theatre, in the heart of London Docklands, from 16th to 19th November, 2006. Like an opera without voices, this orchestral theatre work enhances the musical text by integrating visual devices in order to narrate a story. Amongst the fifty participants are thirty-nine musicians, six mimes and one acrobat. The combination of music and visuals opens contemporary music to new audiences and makes it more accessible to the general public. Drawing on inspirations ranging from Japanese Kabuki to Lynchean cinema, the production of Mie may be compared to the theatre of Robert Wilson (The Black Rider, Einstein on the Beach), Steve Reich (The Cave) or Laurie Anderson (O Superman). The November performances will feature special artist Alasdair Malloy, a world-renowned glass-harmonica specialist who has recorded for the Icelandic artist Björk and is also the artistic director of the Adventure Concerts for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and responsible for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's successful Phil Power series. The audience of Mie will certainly enjoy an extraordinary theatre experience. The show works on different levels and it is possible for children and adults alike to enjoy it. It brings contemporary music and orchestral sounds to children in a new and exciting way. Mie also gives the general public an alternative to opera, musicals and contemporary classical concerts by treating contemporary music material in an original and modern way. In addition, 2006 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, inventor of the glass harmonica, which is one of the main featured instruments of Mie. November 2006 is therefore an ideal time to première this work as part of these celebrations. The production team is seeking additional private and corporate sponsorship to go towards paying the creative team and the participating musicians and artists. More information on the production and on sponsorship possibilities is available on request.
Contact: Catherine Kontz. Tel.: 07957 622 912. Other contact details in our Arts: Music section.
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