13/03/2023
What will you find in The Alchemist's Jar?
It's a story long forgotten, which has not yet been told.
Based on 'The Stone Jar' by Riverina author Christopher Halburd and original illustrations by artist Tracey Jones, this mesmerising concert is inspired by medieval Egyptian shadow theatre (called khayal al-zill in Arabic). It combines classical and contemporary live music with beautiful shadow puppetry. This unique event is coordinated by Associate Professor Sam Bowker of Charles Sturt University. It features the operatic voices of Melinda Bowker and Erin Brown, combined with live chamber music by Assai Quartet of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.
"Through this concert, we want to show how Wagga's creative and performing arts are uniquely interconnected. This beautiful story was written by local writers, developed by our university's researchers, and refined by collaboration with theatre professionals and very experienced musicians."
Professor Bowker tells us that "These rarely seen shadow puppets are exquisite and intricate, but a couple of scenes in The Alchemist's Jar may cause nightmares for small children. You might be familiar with the wayang kulit of Indonesia and Malaysia, but these shadow puppets are different. They are adapted from medieval Egyptian artworks now held in European museums, where they are too fragile to dance."
"By re-crafting these shadow puppets to imaginative new and classical music, we can tell original stories with ancient story-telling techniques."
Dr Harold Gretton is excited to bring The Alchemist's Jar to life. "It's such an unusual and eclectic range of music, but the combination really works! We're performing songs from the 18th century through to 2023, including original pieces by the Assai Quartet. Brett Thompson will perform on flute, Kara Williams on bassoon, and Rhiannon Xeros on violin", said the classical guitarist.
The Alchemist's Jar is a Green Beetle Company production for the CSU Riverina Playhouse (8 Cross Street, Wagga Wagga). There will be three shows only - the world premiere at 7pm Friday 17 March, a Saturday Matinee at 11am on the 18 March, and the Finale on Saturday 18 March at 7pm. Doors open 30 minutes before each show, tickets are $20 or $15 concession.
The Alchemist's Jar is supported by the City of Wagga Wagga's community events grant program and creative arts researchers at Charles Sturt University, in collaboration with the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Eastern Riverina Arts, The Curious Rabbit and the Booranga Writers' Centre.
TICKETS - $20 or $15 concession, thanks to the support of Wagga City Council
