WORLD PREMIERE!
The Unknown Swimmer is a multi-media song-cycle by acclaimed composer Kevin March (Echo & Narcissus, Les Feluettes) and soprano/librettist Judith Dodsworth, with direction by Alyson Campbell and featuring flautist Laila Engle, cellist Campbell Banks, and percussionist Louise Devenish. The traditional form of the song cycle is reimagined through the addition of spoken word, Sprechstimme, and a unique immersive digital environment created by award-winning photographer Jason Reekie, with projection design by Justin Gardam. This deeply moving autobiographical work depicts the poet’s profound, personal transformation as she ventures into cold-water swimming to navigate questions around mental health, ageing, and sexuality. Reconnecting to her creativity as a response to adversity and the challenges of living under COVID restrictions has become the catalyst, rationale, and theme of the work. Through sensuous, intimate language, evocative music and stunning imagery, The Unknown Swimmer speaks to the individual and collective transformations we undergo to find meaning in our post-pandemic world.
This project has been assisted by UKARIA and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the City of Kingston’s annual arts grants.