Rule Britannia is about the past as well as the human potential to act, or simply knowing that we just don't have it in us - so what's left? This 'Low Opera' questions current and historical issues while interpreting social codes and philosophies. To playfully create a dialogue of opposing and concurring political views tracing the British rise to glory and the events that symbolized the erosion of power from domination to decline.
Musically,
this type of inter-disciplinary work continues on with the investigation in
re-thinking western classical music, performed and produced using multi-media
elements. The process for composing involves the use of sampling and manipulating
source material via computer technology then transcribing the new digital
versions for an acoustic instrument performance. A videotaped singer, presented
in monitors atop of two pianos, is costumed to signify an operatic inspired
homage to the grand 'Shite Style' of yesteryear.
Performance excerpt #1.
