a longterm performance project to explore theatrical ecologies (2024)

In 2024, a group of international artists gathered to conduct explorations into new performative formats that would bring together music theatre with Shibari performance. Two intensive research and developments in Vienna, Austria and Saaren Kartano, Finland resulted in three different performances SONGS AFTER NATURE #1, #2, #3.

The project is grounded in critical posthuman understanding and ecofeminist thought. It is further aimed at merging disciplines and dissolving hierarchies and boundaries between, and within, disciplines.

The collaborative group of artists behind this project includes vocalists Juliet Fraser and Rosie Middleton, Shibari artist Elie Halonen, performer Satu Hakamäki, graphic artist Siiri Vijakka, musician Margarethe Maierhofer-Lischka, scenographer Lisa Horvath and composer Pia Palme who also initiated and coordinated the project.

The poet and writer Virpi Vairinen offered this text about the project and the third performance, published by the KONE Foundation Finland.

The entire project including the compositional process, the development phase, travels, rehearsals and three performances were generously supported by the KONE Foundation and the Saari Residence, Finland, by the ISCM International Society of New Music Austria, the BMKOES Federal Ministry of the Arts, Culture, Civil Services and Sports of the Republic of Austria, by the Kulturabteilung of the City of Vienna, the Sibelius Museum Turku, the SKE Funds of the Austro Mechana, the Kulturförderung of the District of Ottakring, Vienna, and the EU Cultural Mobility Program.

SONGS AFTER NATURE – Performance #1

A performative ecology for soprano, spoken voice, double bass, bass recorder, electronics (4 channel distribution), two drums, shibari performance and dance, duration 1 hour, performed at the SOHO STUDIOS Vienna as part of the festival MUSIC AFTER NATURE on 5 June 2024.

Foto of the final scene from SONGS AFTER NATURE #1 by Elisabeth Flunger

SONGS AFTER NATURE – Performance #2

This performance for mezzo, spoken voice + bass recorder, electronics (4 channel), drums, live drawing and projection, Shibari performance and dance was presented at Jacob’s barn during the Harvest Party at the Saaren Kartano Residence, Finland on 24 August 2024. Duration 50 Minutes.

Foto of SONGS AFTER NATURE #2 by Jussi Virkkumaa / Saari Residence

SONGS AFTER NATURE – Performance #3

A performative ecology for mezzo, spoken voice + bass recorder, electronics (4 channel), drums, double bass, live drawing and projection, Shibari performance and dance, duration 1 hour. Presented at the Sibelius Museum Turku, Finland, on 30 August 2024.

Foto of SONGS AFTER NATURE #3 by Pia Palme