Carriageworks wow again with An Index of Metals
The first Australian production of the late Fausto Romitelli’s An Index of Metals, is yet another reminder as to why Sydneysider’s should be grateful for the existence of Carriageworks and it’s incredible programme of the more niche areas of the arts. Productions at Carriageworks tends to have short runs, and this no exception finishing up tonight (Thursday, 19th November).
Photo by Zan Wimberley
Originally composed and devised as a video opera this is a fascinating and brave reinvention of the work. Conceptual works are often much better on paper than in practice, thankfully this is not the case. Drawing on various influences, including Ray Lichtenstein paintings, and his references to “Brad”. The video component of the production, initially integral to a performance has been relegated to the floor, being screened on old fashioned box tvs scattered amongst the feet of the musicians. The set is brilliant yet simple – a box made up of a couple of hundred spotlights – roof and walls, with the musicians from Ensemble Offspring arrayed at the feet of the audience.
Initial impressions were not good – the first few minutes are a total assault of the senses with the full force of the hundreds of spotlights being aimed at the audience. On, off. On, off. And so it went for a few minutes, blinding and extraordinarily hot (at least from the front row). The sound was also discordant at first, matching the chaos of the stage.
However, reservations were short lived as the perfectly cast Jane Sheldon began to sing. A soprano specializing in Chamber Opera she is brilliant in the only singing role. There is a surtitle screen (not particularly visible from the front rows) but I’m not sure they’re necessary. The lyrics, written by Kenka Lekovich are simple and repetitious, exactly as they are in any internal argument. The male performers – 6 Brad’s perfectly convey an internal conflict and menace and their nakedness is effective and for once not gratuitous.
Photo by Zan Wimberley
The Ensemble are also brilliant – excellently conducted by Jack Symonds in what is a complex score. Special mention surely must go to Zubin Kanga on keyboards and piano, constantly moving between the two; as well as the brass section consisting of Tristram Williams and Nigel Crocker who make the music soar.
Challenging, yet also quite, quite brilliant. Expose yourself to the rich sensory blanket of this production before it’s gone.
Details:
An Index of Metals, Carriageworks
$35, general admission.
For those with limited mobility contact Carriageworks directly on Ph. 8571 9099 – they can assist you with parking next to the venue and reserve you a seat at the front in order to avoid stairs.
Finishes tonight, Thursday 19th November