ABOUT THE MARY SHELLEY PROJECT Work in progress
What do we know about Mary Shelley ? do we know that she was nineteen years when she wrote Frankestein novel?
How do we perceive Frankenstein ? Have you read the book or do you remember the film representations as a gothic tale?
Are you aware that the story was written in 1816 ,"a year without summer "?
At the time Shelley wrote most prolifically, the world had been plunged into semi-darkness, crop-failure, famine, and a significant increase in riots, murders, and fatal illnesses by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Tambora, in Indonesia.
During this time, Shelley wrote: “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.”
As a composer musician, I felt inspired by Shelley's figure,and this chaotic and apocalyptic environment which appears as the dramatic background echoing simultaneously to her own tragical life haunted by deaths and losses .
I could hear the storm and the sounds in this darkness…I could envision Mary's nightmares and the creature of Frankenstein surging like her double ,an avatar, a manifestation of her tortured and revolted soul ,an alter ego ,waking up, dancing , waving between stillness and passion and calling for Hope .
I started my research and sound exploration with" Darkness" (inspired by Byron's poem )which is a multi layered vocal piece that enhances textures, atmospheres and deep vocal range .
I started my research and sound exploration with" Darkness" (inspired by Byron's poem )which is a multi layered vocal piece that enhances textures, atmospheres and deep vocal range .
For each piece, the process is the same : the voice is a spatial component ,expressing different tones like "characters "guiding , inviting the listener to enter , flow with this multidimensional exploration. Words become like sculptural elements inducing movement, choreography and you don't need your logic mind to analyze this experience .This project is not a direct, detailed storyline but a personal interpretation and meditative process inspired by Shelley in which poetry is merging with sound and dance .
I sense Mary Shelley doesn't belong to the past and I feel a deep connection with this visionary and contemporary figure. The underlying issues of the novel including the obsession of Science , the search of Immortality and the philosophical and ecological context that shapes the story fundamentally speak about each of us and address to our Human Nature.
