Reviews – 'New Beginning' at the Grand Theatre, Luxembourg
“Entering the Grand Théâtre Studio these past few days was like taking a break, opening a parenthesis in space and time. It was responding to an invitation to participate in a return to the most distant sources of our universe, to take the time to relive what emerged and developed from nothing. An invitation to understand that this has always been our story. And to spark an awareness that can only change our view of our threatened, already compromised world, perhaps leading us to finally react and act.”
Stéphane Gilbart, Luxemburger Wort
23 May 2025
https://www.wort.lu/kultur/les-jeunes-nous-racontent-comment-repenser-notre-lien-a-l-univers/68246560.html
“The result is a strong and intense theatre - conceived and designed by David Shearing - with essential images that question our place and the meaning of our lives. The music and the soundtrack (by James Bulley) contribute to this in large measure, skillfully combining recorded texts and musical vibrations. […]
Culture opens the debate, highlights the important subjects for today's society and tomorrow's... Nothing is more jubilant than an artistically accomplished show that knows how to denounce and raise awareness, while involving the younger generations to the highest degree.
[…]
All dressed in black, as if in mourning, very dignified and grave, these young people are our whistleblowers. Their conscience awakens ours. It's up to us to act. The message is received 10 out of 10.”
Alexandre Pham, Classique News
19 May 2025
https://www.classiquenews.com/critique-spectacle-musical-luxembourg-grand-theatre-le-17-mai-2025-new-beginning-variable-matter-creation/
More information about Variable Matter’s New Beginning can be found here.
Event: City of Trees
City of Trees by Matthew Rosier is now open, and runs from 5–11pm November 4–10 2021 outside St Mary Aldermary Church in the City of London, England.
”The project seeks to raise awareness of the symbiotic relationship that has always existed between humans and forests in England. Its opening will coincide with COP26 in Glasgow in order to highlight the value of productive, truly sustainable and biodiverse forestry in addressing climate change and restoring our woodland habitat.”
The work features life-size video portraits of Oak, Beech and Hornbeam pollards from Epping Forest projected into the heart of the City, accompanied by spatial soundscapes that I have composed alongside musicians NYX (https://nyx-edc.com/) and Laura Misch (https://lauramisch.bandcamp.com/).
A commission from the City of London Corporation. Further information including a visitor guide here.
Recording session for City of Trees with Nyx and Laura Misch. Photograph: Gregory White (August 2021).