'Trails' (2006)

A piece of physical theatre in a contemporary interpretation of the Dr Faustus legend based on Mann, Marlowe and Goethe's texts.

The entire performance is set to live music of classical composers inspired by the Faustus story - Mahler, Berloiz, Liszt, Gounod and Wagner. It's played by an accordionist and sang by an actress with the distinctive performance style and elements from traditional folk music from Eastern and Western Europe (we are interested in these parts of Europe, because of the roots of the story and our cast).

The performance revolves around a character of the devil, which is built on myths collected from traditional cultures of the countries mentioned above. Despite that, he has the form and physicality of an orchestra conductor – in our interpretation, he is the one who controls music, actors and action. At the same time, as a paradox, he is guided by Faustus, the composer (as in Mann's version).

Because perhaps nothing is happening for real. Maybe everything takes places in Faustus' mind...

Moral dilemmas and events are played out along side this unusual use of classical music interacting with the animated bodies in space.

As 'Equaldoubt' we wish to draw the audience into Faustus' conflict between spirituality and sensuality; and through music and physicality engage the audience visually, aurally and emotionally.

Presented to Arts Council Wales at the end of R&D in January 2006

Directed

Sean Tuan John

Performers

Agnieszka Blonska
John Norton
Sean Palmer

Live and Original Music

Will Mepham


Supported by ACW funding
Shown at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff 2006