Tabula Rasa
A major co-production from Vanishing Point and Scottish Ensemble.
‘Several people have told me essentially this same story about the still, sad music of Pärt – how it became, for them or for others, a vehicle of solace. One or two such anecdotes seem sentimental; a series of them begins to suggest a slightly uncanny phenomenon.’ Alex Ross, New York Times
Two of Scotland's foremost performing groups present a co-production that sets Arvo Pärt's spiritual and mesmeric Tabula Rasa (as well as Spiegel im Spiegel and Fratres) in a theatrical context, exploring the recognised role of the piece in the care of patients during their final days.
With musicians forming an integral part of the drama, this visionary production explores the documented role of Pärt’s haunting piece, which has come to be known - and used - as a profound and transcendental piece of music. It is a life-affirming exploration of care, humanity, suffering - and the uplifting power, and endless importance, of art.
The UK’s leading string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble is a group of outstanding musicians championing music written for strings, becoming increasingly known for its bold, adventurous collaborations with artists from other genres and forms.
Press
“★★★★ an ambitious, thought-provoking show, one that refuses to offer glib answers to the questions it raises”
“★★★★ This is a beautiful production. As director, co-writer and designer, Matthew Lenton has created a visually stunning tribute to a human life and the people who care for it in its final days”
“★★★★ a thoughtful and poignant performance””
“★★★★”
“★★★★”
“★★★★”
“★★★★ a hypnotic hybrid... The musical interludes complement these passages of text, allowing space to contemplate the questions raised by the story, around care and compassion and what it means to live meaningfully and die with dignity. As this is Vanishing Point, the production is also visually gorgeous, lit in subtle shades by Kai Fischer, with the performers fading in and out of the space, like ghosts”
Credits
A co-production between Vanishing Point and Scottish Ensemble
Conceived, directed, co-written and designed by Matthew Lenton
Musical direction by Jonathan Morton
Music Arvo Pärt *
Lighting Design by Kai Fischer
Creative Associate & Co-writer Pauline Goldsmith
Design Assistant Fraser Lappin
Performers Pauline Goldsmith & Sarah Short
Violin: Jonathan Morton, Cheryl Crockett, Daniel Pioro, Clio Gould, Joanne Green, Laura Ghiro
Viola: Jane Atkins, Andrew Berridge
Cello: Alison Lawrence, Naomi Pavri
Double Bass: Diane Clark
Piano: Sophie Rahman
Photography: Hugh Carswell / Niall Walker
Selections from Snow, by and copyright to Marcus Sedgwick, are used in the performance with permission. Read Marcus's blog about seeing the show here.
*Tabula Rasa, Spiegel im Spiegel and Fratres. Music by Arvo Pärt.
By arrangement with Universal Edition A.G Wien.
