INVENTOR. DISSENTER. INERTIA BUSTER.
The man and invention that challenged the belief ‘everything good would get invented somewhere else’.
Composed by Sandra France, words by Alana Valentine
A suite of songs inspired by the mechanics of invention, the pain of parochialism, the unconscious grind of childhood grief and the elation of hard-won success. Flight Memory is a work of contemporary song that weaves innovation and improvisation with sassy jazz fusion to meditate on the journey of David Warren, inventor of the now ubiquitous black box aircraft flight recorder. Both cleverly narrative and ultimately impressionistic, this is a contemporary vocal performance of ten original songs.
Enter the mind of a creative genius, into the shock of a world in mourning and ultimately, into the responsibility of those who, even today, must listen to the recorded voices of the dead in order to work for the prevention of future tragedies. Part requiem, part cheeky finger in the air to our relentless cultural cringe, ultimately this is a work which will transport its audience into the mystery of human endeavour, the beauty of the voice and a celebration of original Australian cultural expression.
Commissioned by The Street Theatre, this remarkable new work pairs ARIA-nominated composer Sandra France (From a Black Sky) with Helpmann-Award winning playwright and librettist Alana Valentine (Barbara and the Camp Dogs, Cold Light, MP) and delivers songs of emotional resonance and engaging intellectual conjecture. The combination of an experienced dramatist with a profoundly lyrical and passionate composer has resulted in a work of heart, head and humour that will genuinely engage your senses.
Directed by The Street’s Artistic Director Caroline Stacey the work features multi award-winning jazz musician Michelle Nicolle [2017 Bell Award Winner Jazz Vocal Album], alongside Canberra’s acclaimed Leisa Keen and Liam Budge supported by a six-piece ensemble of Canberra’s finest musicians. Flight Memory celebrates the power of music and its ability to express our deepest human desires and most remarkable scientific achievements.