In 2016, composer Renske Vrolijk approaches Annechien Koerselman with the request to develop modern music theater based on a personal special story. And so it happens. Annechien comes up with a concept, in which the singing voice forms the common thread, she writes the libretto together with Wendela de Vos, and as a music dramaturge she closely supervises Renske Vrolijk in the realization of the composition of #Uncut.
Vivian used to be trapped in a boy's body. This is her story. Uncut. And yes, that is the question she is most often asked. The confrontational ánd poetic performance #uncut tells the story of Vivian, a trans woman or just… woman. Who can say. She looks back on a transition that was not only courageous, but also raises new questions. After a lengthy process of psychological examination and medical interventions, she now is who she wanted to be. Isn't she? But what to do with her past? What to do with the old photos? Who was she then, and who is she now? "You're happy now, aren't you?, she hears that all too often. But is she? In a collage of flashbacks, set against the here and now, Vivian rumbles through the emotional rollercoaster of the before and after of her decision, which was not a decision. Could not be a decision at all. Because it was as it was, as it is, as it should be.
The experiences of the composer herself form the starting point for this semi-autobiographical music theater performance. A story that starts with the human voice. Irresistible and unruly as Renske Vrolijks musical language is, it will be performed by two of the hippest ensembles of the Low Countries: the roaring ORBI (The Oscillating Revenge of the Background Instruments) and saxophone quartet Bl!ndman. The Netherlands Chamber Choir sings and plays the family, the judging and disapproving masses, the thrill seekers, the team of doctors in a performance that now already is high-profile.
Photo © SMITH, sans titre, TRAUM, 2015
Cast & Crew
Soloists (Vivian) William Knight, Eline Welle & 2 childsoloists
Choir Netherlands Chamber Choir
Ensembles ORBI - The Oscillating Revenge of the Background Instruments: Bram van Sambeek - bassoon, Rick Stotijn - double base, Marijn Korff de Gidts - drums, percussion, Sven Figee - hammondorgan. BL!NDMAN - saxophone quartet: Koen Maas - soprano saxophone, Pieter Pellens - alto saxophone, Piet Rebel - tenor saxophone, Raf Minten - baritone saxophone
Idea & Composition Renske Vrolijk
Concept, Libretto & Music dramaturgy Annechien Koerselman
Libretto Wendela de Vos
Translation Robert Coupe
Organisation The Netherlands Chamber Choir Utrecht
Performances
Rotterdam Rotterdamse Schouwburg (Festival O.) May 24, 2022 Premiere Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
Amsterdam Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ May 25, 2022 Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
The Hague Amare May 28 2022 Cancelled Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
Utrecht Stadsschouwburg May 29 2022 Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
Enschede Wilminktheater June 03 2022 Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
Nijmegen Stadsschouwburg June 05 2022 Postponed 1 year due to Covid 19
