Contemporary art music ensemble Rubiks presents the Australian premiere of Waves + Lines – a multimedia song cycle for soprano, electronics and chamber ensemble by Princeton-based composer Gemma Peacocke (NZ/USA), adapted from Eliza Griswold’s book, ‘I Am the Beggar of the World: Landays from Contemporary Afghanistan‘.
The ultraconservative regime of the Taliban has meant that the lives of Afghan women have been largely invisible to the outside world. Landays, poems comprised of a single rhyming couplet on subjects like love, grief, home and war, offer a surprising and vivid glimpse into this secret world. This evocative work explores the passion, desperation and humour of these women who are trapped in a seemingly veiled existence.
Rubiks are delighted to announce that Gemma Peacocke will be joining the ensemble in Melbourne for the Australian premiere of Waves + Lines. This performance will also feature projections by New York-based multidisciplinary artist Anchuli Felicia King (AU/USA).
This event is generously supported by the Melbourne Recital Centre, the Metropolis Festival and assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Program:
Gemma Peacocke – Waves + Lines (2017) *
*Australian Premiere
Rubiks Collective
Keyboards – Jacob Abela
Percussion – Kaylie Melville
Guest Vocals – Georgie Darvidis
Guest Double Bass – Hamish Gullick