eighth blackbird will hold our annual benefit event on Thursday, May 21st, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., at the Viaduct Theater in Chicago.
Attendees will be the very first to see a preview of eighth blackbird’s new production of Schoenberg’s legendary Pierrot Lunaire. Directed by noted New York choreographer Mark DeChiazza, it features soprano Lucy Shelton and dancer Elyssa Dole. The musicians of eighth blackbird perform the challenging work entirely from memory, and players take important roles in the drama.
Percussionist Matthew Duvall plays Pierrot, the sad, naïve, clown-like character from Commedia dell’Arte who takes a darkly comic journey through a strange world. Written in 1912, the fevered intensity, gallows humor and touching pathos of this modern classic is drenched in the music of smoke-filled Berlin cabaret clubs and the bizarre world of the German melodrama. Visit our Pierrot project page for more information, photos and video.
In addition to this exclusive preview, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a host of special auction items, including a home cooked meal by some of the culinarily gifted ensemble members! Come mingle with eighth blackbird and fellow supporters while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
eighth blackbird’s ongoing commitment to creating high quality new musical experiences that are unique, entertaining and relevant to all audiences is only possible with the generous support of individuals like you. If you are unable to attend the benefit event in Chicago, please consider making a donation to our enrichment fund.
Tickets are $120, and space is limited. RSVP to benefit@eighthblackbird.com. We hope to see you at the Viaduct on Thursday, May 21st!
Below, an interview with director Mark de Chiazza following rehearsals at University of Richmond for the new production. In addition to five musicians and phenomenal soprano Lucy Shelton, the staging will include Elyssa Dole, dancer, and eighth blackbird’s percussionist Matthew Duvall, who will play the character of Pierrot. If you can, watch it in HD for higher video quality.
Comments 2
David Walker called this to my attention. Curious to know if you still plan to use my translations in some form, and whether this represents some sort of breach with Blair Thomas or just a fresh try at this tricky work.
Posted 29 Apr 2009 at 7:26 AM ¶Hey David! We still love your translation, but I am unsure whether the director of the new production has a preference regarding which one we will print in programs, based on his own interpretation on this, as you very accurately describe it, “tricky work.” I’ll be in touch when I find out his preference and we won’t move forward without your and Blair’s knowledge.
(And to both Davids, yes, I realize that second sentence straddles the line between interpretability and run-on-ed-ness. And yes, I realize I’m making up words. That English major was a long time ago.)
Posted 29 Apr 2009 at 10:02 AM ¶Post a Comment