The Migration of Souls: towards the creation of an immersive, music-based, socio-politically themed production
Date
2023
Authors
Pickering, Cheryl Kaye
Editors
Advisors
Szuster, Jula
Rutherford, Jennifer
Rutherford, Jennifer
Journal Title
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Thesis
Citation
Statement of Responsibility
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Abstract
This submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, takes the form of an exegesis accompanied by supporting creative material relating to a workshop showing of The Migration of Souls, an immersive, music-based, multi-art form work based on the journeys of displaced people. The exegesis first situates the creative development of The Migration of Souls in the context of the exploration of new presentational forms for classical vocal concert performance, the management of working relationships within multi-art form work, and the socio-political background to the current Australian government approach to asylum seekers. The creative process for The Migration of Souls is then interrogated through a discussion of the complexities of creating socio-politically based work when representing the stories of others. There have been significant developments in experimental approaches to theatre-making and presentation over the past century, and the performance of classical concert music is now beginning to emerge from the confines of the concert hall. The Migration of Souls creatively places the performance of classical vocal concert music within an immersive, multi-art form context, in the service of the over-arching socio-political theme. A range of artistic responses to the refugee crisis is reviewed, along with academic and artist-led commentary on intentions and outcomes for refugee-inspired work. This research informs creative and ethical decisions which support both the authenticity and the aesthetics of The Migration of Souls. The dissertation concludes with commentary on managing audience compassion and empathy with a view to positive social outcomes.
School/Discipline
Elder Conservatorium of Music
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, 2023
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
Description
Part A Exegesis -- Part B Creative Work: Artefact [Part B no.4 Archival footage of workshop showing is currently unavailable]