Future Remains
Music | Opera & Classical
Struggle, exertion – where does it first show up in the body? In the breath. And that’s how Jane Sheldon’s poem for a dried up river begins: in summer darkness with the sounds of breathing floating over chirping cicadas. Gradually two sopranos emerge from the soundscape, their labour divided – instrument and words.
This riveting performance melds opera, poetry, physical theatre and art installation in a mesmerising, unique combination. Alice Oswald’s text about a figurine of a naiad trying to coax water from a bed of limestone ‘unfolds like a cry of environmental despair’. Sheldon’s exquisite palette of musical colours plays on contrasts: dry and wet, weak and strong, barren and fecund. Elizabeth Gadsby’s powerful installation mirrors the nymph’s exertions with the unrolling of a 200kg path of clay.
Jane Sheldon reunites with Sydney Chamber Opera for another collaboration filled with detail and nuance, and a profound sense of connection.
Runtime: 35 mins
VenuePerformance TimesWed 6 Jan at 6pm
Thu 7 Jan at 6pm
Fri 8 Jan at 6pm
Sat 9 Jan at 3pm
Sun 10 Jan at 3pm
Ticketing and PricingReserved Full Price – $39
Reserved Concession – $35
+ booking fee
Please note that paired seats cannot be split, therefore if you are after a single seat please select a seat that is on its own.
If you are after other configurations, please contact the Sydney Festival office during business hours.
AccessibilityWheelchair Access
Entrance to Carriageworks is via an access ramp leading to the main entrance which is located at street level at 245 Wilson St. Accessible parking is available at the end of Carriageworks Way with entry via 229 Wilson Street. The Carriageworks car park also includes four mobility parking spaces.
Captioned Performance
This performance is surtitled, with the translation of dialogue displayed on a screen either above or at the foot of the stage.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at Carriageworks.
Important InfoFace masks are mandatory at all Sydney Festival events for all patrons 13 years and older, in line with NSW Government regulations. A face mask is required at all times while inside foyers, theatres and outdoor venues, including during performances. Children 12 and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
All festival patrons will be seated in line with current NSW Public Health regulations. Tickets to this event are sold to 75% of capacity. The current regulations allow patrons to be seated alongside each other and not socially distanced within the theatre. If, at the theatre, you have any concerns in relation to this, please approach an usher for assistance. Patrons may not move between seats unless directed by an usher.
Complete lockout – latecomers will not be admitted.
Cast and CreditsMusic Jane Sheldon
Text Alice Oswald
Installation Elizabeth Gadsby
Conductor Jack Symonds
Sound Designer Benjamin Carey
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Choreographer Danielle Micich
Photo: Lisa Tomasetti
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