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Bartôk / Apocalypse Man premiered in 2015 in Italy
at the prestigious Auditorium del Parco in L’Aquila.
But it’s a stunning premonition of what the world was to suffer five years later in 2020: devastating world-wide isolation and loss.
But, it never loses sight of the hope, even the humor.
The opening notes of Béla Bartôk’s Sonata for Solo Violin rouse action. A man, alone, tries to make sense of his life, as he tries to keep himself busy. He checks now and then to see if there is anyone else. And he remembers a time that was very beautiful.
Or was that a dream?
Or a hope?
The music propels an emotional, cathartic story that plumbs the depths of 21st century aloneness, upheaval and despair - until...
a small, unexpected sign of hope.
Music and movement shed their boundaries in a sensuous weave of bold sound and dramatic gesture.
“An eye-popping, groundbreaking experience in physical theatre that transcends all languages and cultures.”
- APAP 2019
After every performance of Bartôk/Apocalypse Man, Tony (mime) and Francesco (violin) enter into a dialogue with the audience… as soon as Tony is out of makeup – he doesn’t speak while in makeup.
The depth and variety of the reactions, and the thoughtful, profound questions spur conversation among the audience members and push Tony and Francesco to keep the piece fresh and dynamic.
Ideal for concert venues, theatres, colleges, universities, and prisons.
The piece works indoors or outdoors, with or without theatrical lighting.
Options for master classes and workshops in violin, orchestra, movement for actors and mime.
Media
Photo: Camilla Mastaglio
Praise
History
Audience: Appropriate for Ages 14+
Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Part I = Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 by Johann Sebastian Bach
or various short violin selections with mime (40 mins)
15 minute intermission
Part II = Sonata for Solo Violin Sz. 117, BB 124 by Belá Bartôk with Apocalypse Man by Tony Lopresti (40 mins)
Stage: Minimum 6 m x 5.5 m / 19 feet 8.25 inches x 18 feet 0.55 inches
Set: Black cube 50 cm / 18 in per side provided by host
Lighting: Lighting plot available (spots and a simple wash can work)
Sound: Two microphones with stands for violinist / sound system
Cast 1 violinist, 1 mime actor
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