Event

8 Songs for a Mad King 8pm Show

Peter Maxwell Davies masterpiece Eight Songs for a Mad King was shocking, scandalous, and utterly captivating to audiences when it premiered in 1969. Its unconventional vocal techniques, bizarre theatricality, jarring juxtapositions of musical styles, and unflattering depiction of Mad King George III are as fresh, relevant, and entertaining today as they were 50 years ago.

This performance part theatrical and part musical performance represents new ground for The Playground. The original piece calls for elaborate stage props (including human-sized bird cages), special lighting and costumes. The musical score alone is a work of art, with staves aligned in the shape of a bird cage, along with many other unconventional techniques designed to convey the unique vocal and musical styling.

http://playgroundensemble.org/2018/07/8-songs-for-a-mad-king/