You are here
Flight Memory
A Narrative Song Cycle about Australian Genius
By Sandra France (From a Black Sky) and Alana Valentine (Barbara and the Camp Dogs, Letters to Lindy, Cold Light)
INVENTOR. DISSENTER. INERTIA BUSTER
A mesmerising series of songs. A spellbinding portrait of scientific endeavour. A homage to invention in our country that will inspire and challenge the belief ‘everything good gets invented somewhere else’ .
This compelling story of visionary Australian scientist David Warren and the invention that transformed technological and aeronautical history explores the core human emotions behind the world-changing Black Box Flight Recorder. Feel the pain of parochialism, the unconscious grind of childhood grief, and the elation of hard-won success.
Completing our 2019 year, this specially commissioned world premiere is a sensory feast of live music, theatre and visual design taking us from blues, Broadway jazz, funk, and Latin to minimalism, free improvisation and beyond. Mind-expanding live performance mixing up musical styles as Flight Memory examines how Australia treats its scientists and asks can we live out the absolute bounds of our potential as a nation?
Commissioned by The Street Theatre, Flight Memory pairs ARIA-nominated composer Sandra France (From a Black Sky) with Helpmann-Award winning playwright and librettist Alana Valentine (Barbara and the Camp Dogs, Cold Light, MP) and these powerhouse women deliver songs of emotional resonance and engaging intellectual conjecture. Directed by The Street’s Artistic Director Caroline Stacey the production features multi award-winning jazz musicians Michelle Nicolle [2017 Bell Award Winner Jazz Vocal Album], Leisa Keen and Liam Budge together with an exciting line-up of some of Canberra’s extraordinary jazz musicians
Fasten your seat belt and get ready to be transported into the mind of a creative genius, into the shock of a world in mourning, into the exhilarating mystery of human endeavour all wrapped up in the beauty of the voice and a celebration of original Australian cultural expression
Cast: Liam Budge, Leisa Keen, Michelle Nicolle
Musicians:
Brendan Clarke
Tom Fell
Gary France
Jess Green
Ben Marston
Director: Caroline Stacey
Music Director: Sandra France
Set and Costume Design: Imogen Keen
Lighting Design: Nik Pajanti
Sound Design: Kimmo Vennonen
Learn More
BMA | Australian Music Centre | The Canberra Times | City News | Rock City Jester | Create Digital
What the critics said:
Limelight | New Territory | Stage Whispers | City News | The Canberra Times | ArtsReview
Lend an Ear:
ABC Radio National | Living Arts Canberra
STREET ONE | RESERVED | DURATION 80 MINUTES NO INTERVAL
More information
THE STREET PRESENTS
FLIGHT MEMORY: a narrative song cycle about Australian genius
PERFORMANCES:
THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 8PM
FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 8PM
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 8PM
SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER 4PM
TICKETS:
STANDARD: $49
CONCESSION: $46
GROUP 6+: $44