Decoding codal and communication systems through music and dance, composer Kate Neal and director Laura Sheedy create a compelling and intriguing multimedia exploration of signalling, communication and miscommunication in Semaphore, at Arts House for a limited season from 27 May 2015.
Using physical, visual and aural encoding systems – Semaphore, Morse code, pennants, lights and binary code – three dancers and eight musicians synchronize in a complex coordinated choreography of bodies, music and illumination to generate an immersive display of sound and vision.
Timothy Walsh’s choreography of dancers, James Welsby and Briarna longville, along with Sal Cooper’s animations, and archival audio recordings of World War II signalmen further augment Semaphore’s rich visual and aural composition. Regimented physical formations, outbreaks of cascading melody, intricate interplays of light and sound; Semaphore is an ingenious visual and sonic experience.
Recipient of various awards and fellowships, Neal studied early music at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA); studied composition with Mary Finsterer, Mark Pollard and Brenton Broadstock; and has worked as an orchestrator and arranger with the Black Arm Band, Paul Kelly and for films including Rogue (2007) that featured Sam Worthington and Radha Mitchell.
Composer & Director: Kate Neal Director: Laura Sheedy Choreographer: Timothy Walsh Animation: Sal Cooper Lighting: Niklas Pajanti Producer: Wally Gunn Dancers: Timothy Walsh, James Welsby and Briarna Longville Conductor & Piano: Aura Go Clarinet: Karen Heath Percussion: Kaylie Melville, Madi Chwasta, Matthew Horsley and Hamish Upton Violin: Lizzy Welsh Viola: Phoebe Green Cello: Paul Zabrowarny
Semaphore
Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
Season: 27 – 31 May 2015
Bookings: (03) 9322 3713 or online at: www.artshouse.com.au
For more information, visit: www.artshouse.com.au or www.kateneal.com for details.
Image: by Michael Camilleri