City of Shadows – A song cycle of murder, misfortune and forensics pairs an exquisite new voice with a gritty, violent soundscape and a string quartet comprising some of Australia’s best young contemporary players.
Playing for a limited season as a part of Helium, an initiative of Malthouse Theatre and presented in association with the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2013, this unique work is inspired by the Sydney Living Museum’s photography exhibition of forensic and police photography in early 20th Century Sydney.
City of Shadows is a unique experience that brings to light the vulnerabilities of the forgotten, the danger of our weaknesses and the need for love of our fellow man.
A musical ode to archives of perpetrators, victims and vicinities of violent crimes, Rachael Dease has created songs that may begin to do the dead justice, and give the living pause for thought.
Rachael Dease’s artistic practice encompasses the realms of pop culture and art music. Graduating with honours from WAAPA in composition, Dease is known as front woman and songwriter for the critically acclaimed band Schvendes, receiving twelve West Australian Music Industry Award nominations, and as the composer and chanteuse in Matt Lutton’s Antigone.
In 2012 Dease won the inaugural top tier Western Power Martin Sims Award for Best Overall Performance for Best Musical Work at Fringe World for her haunting contemporary song cycle City of Shadows. This show was invited to New York Fringe Festival in August in which it wowed audiences and critics alike.
Conceived, Written, Directed and Performed by Rachael Dease (Vocals) ~ Performed by: Brian Kruger (Violin), Hayley-Jane Ayres (Violin), Aaron Wyatt (Viola) and Tristen Parr (Cello).
City of Shadows – A song cycle of murder, misfortune and forensics
Malthouse Tower Theatre – 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 21 September – 5 October 2013
Bookings: (03) 9685 5111 or online at: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.rachaeldease.com for details.
Image: Mug shot of Herbert Ellis. Presumed Central Police Station, Sydney, ca.1920. NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive, Justice and Police Museum, Historic Houses Trust of NSW
