Fearless, feminine and forthright, Australian actor Pamela Rabe interprets several Shakespeare heroines in Melody Eötvös’ Ruler of the Hive as part of a program based on The Bard in music, conducted by Johannes Fritzsch.
- Powerful heroines on stage Award-winning actor Pamela Rabe’s legendary body of film, television and stage work sees her in the company of Australia’s most outstanding actors and directors. Here she portrays portions of Emilia (Othello), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Helena (All’s Well That Ends Well), Isabella (Measure for Measure) and Rosalind (As You Like It) in this powerful work for narrator and orchestra by Melody Eötvös.
- A new mindset With a musical style described as having, “old pagan flavours, but with new mindset and expression”, young Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ works have been performed across the UK and USA, and by many Australian ensembles. Ruler of the Hive explores Shakespeare’s relationship with women as well as the social and political issues that have impacted women from the Renaissance to present day.
- A legendary conductor With four decades of immeasurable experience, German conductor Johannes Fritzsch is revered by Australian audiences. Conductor Laureate at QSO and Principal Guest Conductor at TSO, here Fritzsch leads the MSO showcasing works from Shakespeare-inspired operas by Berlioz and Verdi.
Source: mso.com.au
Shakespeare and Music | Ears Wide Open
Come on a journey of words and music as we explore Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ work Ruler of the Hive and examine Shakespeare’s relationship with women. Featuring portrayals of Shakespeare’s greatest characters by award-winning actor Pamela Rabe as well as excerpts from Ruler of the Hive, conversation host Mairi Nicolson will speak to Eötvös, Rabe and conductor Johannes Fritzsch about this powerful work, investigating Eötvös’ writing and collaboration process, as well as Shakespeare’s ongoing influence on composers throughout history.
Before the performances tonight and Saturday at Hamer Hall, and Friday night in Geelong, here is your exclusive sneak peek, with Pamela reciting Emilia’s soliloquy from Othello.
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