Fifteen bodies surface in the wake of a disaster. When all is lost, what keeps them afloat?
Set in an abandoned dance hall that echoes with haunting airs, Song for a Weary Throat is a breathtaking work of physical and vocal wonder at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival this October.
Driven by a surging current of emotion, it travels from the aftermath of a terrible loss – trauma, heartbreak, failure – through the moments that offer some promise of hope, real or illusory.
Vignettes by turns devastating and buoyant slide into one another, all glistening within an ethereal soundscape created live by critically-acclaimed contemporary vocalists Invenio Singers. Though wordless, the unforgettable images forged live on stage speak volumes.
Directed by Kate Sulan, with design by Emily Barrie, lighting by Richard Vabre and sound design by Jethro Woodward, Song for a Weary Throat has received three Green Room Awards for Production, Ensemble and Music Composition and Sound Design since its 2017 premiere. Now it returns in its full glory.
Created by the Rawcus ensemble of performers with and without disability the company has won numerous awards from past productions including Catalogue, Small Odysseys, Another Lament, The Heart is Another Dark Forest, Hunger and Not Dead Yet.
Invenio Singers was formed in March 2010 by singer/composer Gian Slater. It is an innovative ensemble of improvising and contemporary singers, experimenting with the typical vocal group choral form through conceptual composition, extended vocal technique, fluid improvising, choreographed movement and inventive performance.
Song for a Weary Throat
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season continues to 14 October 2018
Information and Bookings: www.festival.melbourne
Image: Leisa Prowd, Ryan New and Paul Mately in Song for a Weary Throat – photo by Sarah Walker