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Van Gogh is a work of contemporary art music by composer Michael Gordon, setting extracts from the artist’s letters to his brother Theo. It draws on classical, rock, jazz and minimalist influences. Over the course of sixty-three minutes, the musicians and actor trace Van Gogh’s development as an artist and ultimately his descent into madness. We are all familiar with Van Gogh the painter, but his letters stand as work of literature in their own right. Equal parts philosophy, diary and mission statement, they offer an intimate insight into the psychology of the archetypal ‘tortured artist’.
Composer Michael Gordon - founder of ‘Bang on a Can’ - sets Van Gogh’s words to music, blending classical forces with rock instrumentation. Over 1 hour, 8 players, 3 singers and 1 actor trace Van Gogh’s development as an artist, and ultimately his descent into madness. Melodies, rhythms and text overlap like the strokes of the artist’s brush to create rich sonic depictions of his frames of mind.
This production is the latest collaboration between director Jonny Danciger and conductor Hannah Schneider. As a synaesthete, Hannah experiences music visually, and visual art sonically. The design is heavily influenced by this experience, using A.I and multi-sensory technologies to recreate a ‘synaesthetic’ experience for the audience, providing a window into Van Gogh’s psyche.
From starry to sleepless nights, this piece unearths Van Gogh’s experience in all its intensity, pain and - above all - beauty.
What is it like to taste blue? To see D major? This innovative staging, enhanced by A.I and multisensory technologies, explores the connections between the senses and our understanding of reality. Created by director Jonny Danciger and conductor Hannah Schneider. The production’s sensory world has been inspired and shaped by Hannah’s own sound-colour synaesthesia.
CONTENT WARNING
Audience members should be aware that this production uses strobe lighting, particle effects (such as haze and aerosol dispersion), and vibration effects.
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