WOAD
by Alastair White
In the medieval Scottish Borders, a young boy is bewitched - into the form of an ape, an adder, a speck of dust. But is it his shape that twists and churns, or that of the world around him? A Fashion-Opera about metamorphosis and parallel worlds - from the team behind the award-nominated WEAR (“spellbinding” - Boulezian) and ROBE (“striking and evocative” - Planet Hugill). Featuring the high fashion of Renli Su and award-winning soprano Kelly Poukens, Alastair White’s WOAD adapts the Scots myth of Tam Lin to ask: in a multiverse of endless possibility, what becomes of our longing, our regret?
Kelly Poukens - Soprano
Kelly Poukens is an international artist whose recent highlights include Regan in King Lear (Holland Opera) and solo recitals at the Henry Le Boeuf hall. www.kellypoukens.com
Suzy Vanderheiden - Saxophone
Saxophonist Suzy Vanderheiden’s distinguished career sees her tour worldwide, currently as a soloist with her saxophone quartet and in the Royal Harmonie Tessenderlo.
Alastair White - Performer
Shortlisted for several Scottish art awards, composer-librettist Alastair White’s work is characterised by a lyrical complexity described as “beautiful” (730 Review), “virtuosic” (Winnipeg Free Press), “passionate” (Gramophone) and "deftly manic" (American Record Guide). www.alastairwhite.org
Gemma A. Williams - Performer
Fashion curator Gemma A. Williams is author of Fashion China (Thames & Hudson).
Renli Su - Fashion Design
Renli Su is a globally-recognised fashion designer whose collections are characterised by her sense of nostalgia: where a love for old craftsman’s techniques is balanced with innovative, modern methods. www.renlisu.com
Fashion Design by Renli Su
Words and Music by Alastair White
Produced by UU Studios