Page 60 - FINAL_Theatre of Sound Coverage Book

OperaWire: What does it feel like to be the first to
perform with Theatre of Sound?

Gerald Finley: It is really exciting to be part of the birth of a new performing
company. The challenge we all have is to bring our ideas and commitment to
excellence and produce a type of musical experience that can be identified as
powerful, innovative and accessible.

Susan Bullock: It is a privilege to be involved with the birth of a new company, and
especially to be working with such good friends. It is always exciting to be part of
something new and innovative, never more so than now, following on from such a
difficult two years for our profession

OW: How is this company different from others with

which you have performed?

GF: Theatre of Sound offers a chance to be part of a streamlined operation, using
the best talent in every area, but where individual inspiration is valued above all. The
small scale allows ideas to flow and be implemented easily. It is the real meaning of
a small hard-working group producing important and high-standard events.

SB: Theatre of Sound was born out of the desire for everyone involved to make
exciting new work and to look at a piece with new eyes, to use smaller, more
intimate forces, and to retell a story in interesting venues. It is a very collaborative
experience.

OW: Tell me about working on this new production of

“Bluebeard’s Castle” and reimagining it through the eyes

of a family living with dementia, as opposed to a more

fantastical story?

GF: I am dazzled by the ideas involved in this version. It speaks so directly to the
current search for compassion and understanding how dementia cuts through
people’s lives with devastating effects. It affects the expectations of everyone,
demands that we seek assistance as we experience the loss of the character of
those we love. Bartok’s music and libretto reveal a huge source of emotion and the
grasp of the confusion of the circumstances. The view is angled so that the
‘nightmare fairytale’ is actually being experienced by the characters in their real life. I
am astounded by its relevance and accuracy and Bartok’s music becomes re-ignited
in this context.