The Seven Ages of Man is a multimedia music, dance and theatre collaboration between the New Zealand School of Music, New Zealand artists and Indonesian guest performer I Nyoman Sukerta.

Billed as a highly entertaining and sometimes startling cross-cultural music-theatre experience, the work will reinterpret Shakespeare's view of human life based on the well-known text from "As You Like It". The Seven Ages of Man is a multimedia music, dance and theatre collaboration between the New Zealand School of Music, New Zealand artists and Indonesian guest performer I Nyoman Sukerta.

Billed as a highly entertaining and sometimes startling cross-cultural music-theatre experience, the work will reinterpret Shakespeare's view of human life based on the well-known text from "As You Like It".I Nyoman Sukerta from Bali will use multi-lingual declamation, exotic vocal styles, comedy, dance and physical theatre to reveal the universality of Shakespeare that transcends time, place and culture.

Producer Jack Body, Associate Professor of Music, says "I Nyoman Sukerta belongs to a rare breed of Balinese artists who have the power of taksu, the attribute of physical and spiritual possession; when he dons a mask his body, his head and hand movements, his whole physical being is possessed by the character of that mask."

In support of the guest artist are three Wellington actors. The show is directed by New Zealander Lilicherie McGregor who brings special expertise to the production, having worked cross-culturally in Indonesia and Denmark.

The music is provided by the two gamelan percussion orchestras of the NZ School of Music, one Balinese and one Javanese, playing music composed for the show by leading New Zealand composers for gamelan: Gareth Farr, I Wayan Gde Yudane and Budi Putra.

The Seven Ages of Man

4-5 October at 8pm

Adam Concert Room - Victoria University, Gate 7, Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington

Cost: $20; $10 concession. Booking fees may apply. Bookings through Ticketek.

2008 marks the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between NZ and Indonesia, and sponsors for this production include, among others, the Asia:NZ Foundation and the Indonesian Embassy.
www.gamelan.org.nz

The New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) is a centre of musical excellence at Victoria and Massey Universities. For more information about the NZSM visit www.nzsm.ac.nz

04/10/08