Composer: Sandra
France
Librettist: Alana
Valentine
Director: Caroline
Stacey
A Street Theatre
production
The Street Theatre to
17 November
Reviewed by Len Power
14 November 2019
Most people probably aren’t aware that the Black Box flight
recorders that are now mandatory on commercial aircraft around the world were
originally an Australian invention by scientist, David Warren. This important scientific development was
dogged by the apathy of Australian Government officials at the time and David
Warren never really got the recognition he deserved.
‘Flight Memory’ at The Street is a new production that tells
the story of David Warren and the troubled birth of his invention in a narrative
song cycle composed by Sandra France with libretto by Alana Valentine.
The work consists of 10 songs with references to Baroque,
Classical, Minimalism, Blues, Swing and Hip Hop in their composition. It’s quite accessible music and it was a
pleasure to listen to the expert playing and the multi-layered arrangements by
the ensemble. Sandra France’s piano
playing was especially notable as was Tom Fell’s playing on the saxophone.
Librettist, Alana Valentine, has produced words that are
recitative in style. There was linking narrative
material between the songs as well as a sprinkle of familiar modern day aircraft
on board safety instructions. Some of
this seemed stiff and awkward in delivery.
 |
| Liam Budge, Michelle Nicolle and Leisa Keen |
The songs make strong vocal demands on the singers with the
shifting styles of music and the non-conventional lyrics. The singers, Liam Budge, Michelle Nicolle and
Leisa Keen, handle the music very well.
Each singer had their moment to shine and their voices blended very
nicely while all three were singing in unison.
Unfortunately there was a sound balance problem making the
lyrics very hard to understand for much of the work. It was too hard to keep track of the story
and ultimately I gave up and just enjoyed the overall sound of the voices and
the music.
 |
| Liam Budge and company on Imogen Keen's set |
The work is performed on a visually striking set by Imogen
Keen. The ordinary day-wear costumes lacked
interest but the lighting by Niklas Pajanti added a fine atmosphere to the
show.
The overall look of the show has been well directed by
Caroline Stacey but the constant moving of microphones with the long cords by
the cast was distracting.
This is a story worth telling and the music was the highlight
of the show. It needs more work on the
words and clarity of delivery to really take off.
Photos by Peter Hislop
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.