Monthly Archives: March 2013

Two Absurdist Songs

The songs from The Cat in the Box have now been published! Composer, Jangoo Chapkhana wrote the music to Two Absurdist Songs that feature in the play. I think Jangoo’s music interprets my lyrics wonderfully and as he says, “They are ideal for an intelligent and musical singer looking to perform some contemporary Australian repertoire requiring some special effects. They would make an ideal choice for the stage and recital platform. For tertiary singing students planning an end-of-year recital, they would be an inclusion worth considering, given the relatively rare performances of contemporary Australian vocal music.”

You may preview the first page of the TWO ABSURDIST SONGS by visiting the Kookaburra Music website.  The music may also be ordered from this site.

‘Parla la Donna’ Turin, Italy, and International Women’s Day 2013

FTCP 2011 T&C

As you may know, March 8th is International Women’s Day.
This week at Teatro Espace in Turin, Italy, Ulla Alasjarvi is holding a 5-day celebration, titled “Parla la donna”, presenting performance writing by women from around the world. These works will be “about the life of women in different countries, in different cultural, ethnic and religious circumstances … questions, thoughts, opinions, experiences… concerning the female reality in different aspects and in different situations.”
My short play, Modern Gods is part of this event – and translated into Italian!!
There’s something about having an International Women’s Day that is starting a ripple in people’s consciousness. It’s a day where women’s ideas, life challenges, joy and love are celebrated. I’ve been asked to read some relevant poems on RTR FM, a local radio station this morning, and later today there is a talk (one of many I’m sure) about women – this particular one is about the changing role of women in universities. As I have just attended my PhD graduation ceremony at UWA I’m curious about that one!
So, to all the women out there, and all the men and boys who love and cherish them, Happy International Women’s Day!

[photo: Chennai, India, 2010 by Vivienne Glance]

Banuru Songs

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I’m so looking forward to the premiere of Banuru Songs on March 23rd, as part of the Joondalup Festival. I was commissioned to write 4 poems in response to the area around Lake Joondalup, then the wonderful composer, Alberto Caruso, set them to music for a mass choir and orchestra. Rehearsals have just started…

Many thanks to Thomas de Mallet Burgess and Nicole Warren for this amazing opportunity and for the pleasure of working with Alberto Caruso and Indigenous consultant, Ingrid Cumming at Kart Koort Wiern.

Here’s a short documentary about the event: Joondalup Festival 2013 Choral Project