NZSO to perform world premiere of original drama

24 May 2010 – NZSO Media Release for immediate release

NZSO to perform world premiere of original drama, composed by Gareth Farr

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will bring William Shakespeare’s mysterious sonnets to musical life in June, with the world premiere of a fully-orchestrated original drama composed by Gareth Farr.

The Sonnets Unplugged tour of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch represents a thrilling collaboration between Farr, the NZSO and actors Rima Te Wiata and Kristian Lavercombe.

This Holy Fire of Love is a passionate one-hour drama linking 16 of Shakespeare’s sonnets in a story of three characters – William the poet, his mistress, and his muse.

Every line is drawn from the sonnets with additional text from Shakespeare’s plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and King Lear. All the words are musically scored.

The show was devised during weeks of intensive workshops between its starring actors Te Wiata and Lavercombe, and Farr. By combining a selection of sonnets with cutting-edge classical music, they offer an exhilarating new way of experiencing Shakespeare.

Rima Te Wiata says: “I wanted to create a show from the perspective of a writer absorbed in his imagination, and literally doing a deal with the characters he creates. William submits to the emotional turmoil they offer him, in order to write everlasting love poetry.”

She adds: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to realise this show with the NZSO, which plays Gareth’s music beautifully.”

Gareth Farr says the poetic beat of the sonnets led him in an exciting musical direction: “Shakespeare built irregularity into the sonnets, and so it was impossible to get stuck in a de-dum de-dum rhythm. I was free to set the words in an ever-unfolding melody.”

Sonnets Unplugged is an exciting departure for the NZSO, with each daytime concert bursting with action, song and contemporary classical music.

Conducted by energetic talent Hamish McKeich, it is a perfect hour not only for students of Shakespeare, but anyone in love with music of love!

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