IRELAND
Long fascinated by the contemporary resonances of ancient myths, composer Ian Wilson has been particularly drawn to the Greek story of the Sirens.
The Last Siren, an experimental opera, centres on a hermit-like woman who believes that she is the last of the Sirens – she lives on a beach, recounts her conquests and laments the unexplained loss of her sister, all within a continuous monologue mostly concerned with quotidian minutiae.
Acclaimed Irish singer and Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year Lauren Kinsella takes the role of the Siren with Ireland’s leading sound art collective The Quiet Club (Danny McCarthy and Mick O’Shea) providing the work’s soundscape.
McCarthy and O’Shea also represent the characters of Orpheus and Odysseus, whom the Siren attempts to seduce from time to time in order to procure at least an acknowledgement of her presence.
The text explores themes of isolation, loss and the line between memory and delusion, while musically and sonically The Last Siren embraces improvisation and electronica.
By turns moving and dramatic, this is a memorable sonic and theatrical experience.
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Running time: 60 min (no interval)
Talking Theatre: Sat 15 Oct post-show
With Ian Wilson and members of the company
Concept, Libretto and Music Direction: Ian Wilson
Director: Ksenija Krnajsk
Voice: Lauren Kinsella
Sound Art: Danny McCarthy and Mick O’Shea (The Quiet Club)
Photography: Patricia Klich
Funded through an Arts Council Opera Project Award
