ADRIANO ADEWALE:SOUND JOURNEY A SEGUE Production in association with the Lakeside Theatre Colchester Mervyn Stutters Pick of the Fringe "Rhythmic wizardry from a true magician…definitely one to experience before the fringe circus leaves town.” Edinburgh Evening News “a highly expressive performance infused with humour and curiosities…”  Three Weeks “His tambourine feature is brilliant” The Herald “…he moves with stealthy, balletic grace...” The Scotsman “…a whole percussion orchestra by himself” British Theatre Guide Creative Team: Created, composed and performed by Adriano Adewale Producer: Fiona Mason Director, Movement and Staging: Kate Flatt Dramaturgy: Andrea de Almeida Lighting, Sound, Technical and Stage Management: Laura Hammond Bottle Tops Costume: Christiane de Santana & Claire Nicolas "I’ve really gone on a personal journey in creating this show. It has been inspired by learning more about my roots and by my experience as an Afro-Brazilian artist living and working in the UK.  As a performer, Sound Journey takes me to a space where listening becomes sacred, moving becomes instinctive and imagining is just like breathing.” Adriano Adewale, June 2009 Sound Journey was created and is performed by afro-Brazilian master percussionist Adriano Adewale. In this performance Adriano uses percussion, voice and movement alongside conventional, traditional, organic and experimental instruments, to explore themes of history, environment, migration. Some of the instruments are redolent of both rootedness and migration (for example the Berimbau, an instrument taken from Africa to Brazil by enslaved Angolans) and played with specific techniques, to create a “sound architecture” in which to build “words of sounds”, and uses drama and movement to weave a strong unifying narrative thread through the whole performance. The instruments are carefully chosen and each has a specific role to play in the telling of the story. Although most instruments come from Brazil, it is possible to see – or it would be better to say to hear - strong influences from India, Europe, the Middle East and particularly the African continent. Adriano’s inspiration for Sound Journey was a journey he made to the Benin Republic and Nigeria in search of his roots. Following this journey, Adriano changed his surname from the Colonial Pinto to an African name Adewale. It was an acknowledgement of his awareness and understanding of his cultural identity and the way it shaped his persona and artistic direction. It also made clear his desire and need to express himself through an afro-centred view. Sound Journey is based on the aesthetics of afro-Brazilian culture (music styles, dance and instruments) and inspired by the African cultural traditions, mainly of the Bantu and Yoruba, which lie at its roots. Sound Journey has been developed and produced with the support of Arts Council England East, Essex County Council and Jacksons Lane London and produced by SEGUE in association with the Lakeside Theatre Colchester. Previous Performance Dates May 29 LONDON Bishopsgate Institute June 13 IPSWICH Pulse Festival New Wolsey Theatre June 17 LUTON Brakin' Arts Festival Hat Factory June 23 ST ALBANS Edinburgh Firsts Trestle Arts Base July 18 LATITUDE FESTIVAL Henham Park, Suffolk August 7-23 EDINBURGH Augustine's Sanctuary (Venue 152) Edinburgh Fringe Festival November 12 COLCHESTER Lakeside Theatre University of Essex Booking and Technical Information: Target audiences/market: world music, jazz, contemporary theatre, contemporary dance Suitability: adults, children, family audiences, schools, rural touring, theatres, arts centres No. on the road: 2 (1 performer, 1 technical stage manager) Get-in: same day Technicians: 1 in-house technician Dimensions: ideal minimum: 6m wide x 5m deep performance area Terms: Guaranteed fee (negotiable) + travel and accommodation where appropriate Marketing: posters, flyers provided, copy, image, Education: A full education programme to accompany the production is available for an additional fee. Theatres/Arts Centres/Schools: Sound Journey is suitable for small-scale theatres, arts centres and also for schools performances alongside a creative music workshop. Please call for details. To book Sound Journey or for more information contact Fiona Mason on: 07957 571332 or email fiona @ segue.org.uk << BACK TO PRODUCTIONS << HOME