Syllable

A new operatic sonic work written by Edward Jessen

FRI 14 JAN 19.30 World Premiere
SAT 15 JAN 14.30
SAT 15 JAN 19.30

Ambitious and experimental, Syllable is inspired by a short chapter from within Primo Levi’s 1975 collection of short stories The Periodic Table. The extraordinary tale is told by seven principal characters supported by sinfonietta-scale ensemble, auxiliary audio, and visual projection. Narrated by the composer-performer collective Bastard Assignments, this is a cross-arts collaborative project between student artists and a professional team of industry creatives. Audiences can expect an intriguing drama propelled by sounds rather than through conventional plot.

Syllable is a bold piece of contemporary operatic storytelling, commissioned by Trinity Laban in partnership with Decipherer Arts Projects, and made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, PRS for Music Foundation Open Fund for Music Creators, Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust and The Gemma Classical Music Trust

Contains mild trauma and adult themes, suitable for age 15+

Composer Edward Jessen
Director Joseph Alford
Conductor Gregory Rose
Designer Molly Einchcomb
Projection Design Akhila Krishnan
Narration Bastard Assignments
Sound Design David Sheppard and Ian Dearden (Sound Intermedia)
Lighting Design Malcolm Rippeth

Cast

Primo Actor Claudia Hilda Rodriguez Pozo
Haitch Soprano Olivia Bell, Juliet Wallace*
Kael Soprano Anna Pych, Miranda Ostler*
Elém Mezzo Hester Dart, Amy Kearsley*
Énnopee Mezzo Imogen Burgess
Phiste Tenor Charles McGlone, Sholto Biscoe-Taylor*
Pahlme Bass-Baritone Zeshaan Mahmood, Niall Windass*

(* Sat evening performance)

Ensemble
Soprano Lydia Ward, Issy Roberts, Emily Beech
Mezzo Eleanor Harvie, Niamh Kearney, Amy Kearsley, Hester Dart (Sat evening)
Tenor Leon Juurlink, Sholto Biscoe-Taylor, Charles McGlone
Bass Alex Hardy, Niall Windass, Zeshaan Mahmood

Running time 80 Minutes no interval

Laban Theatre
£15 (£10)