Unfurl: a lucid science fiction

Martin Gajc

UNFURL: a lucid sci-fi opera beams the public through the story of Empress Alberta and her reflections, transmitted along the Fungoozian Network. The concert is a loud contemplation on darkness, set on Etherland, a mythical planet where songs and movement are vehicles for transforming loss of life and its aftermath. Costumes use a color and prop code system, like military uniforms. In this case, though, clothing is used like a second skin to flip inside out, to hide and alter. These transfigurations are the mocking shadows of war, folding and unfolding. Here, the organic qualities of a bio-world mold and mutate, from person to tree to spirit and automated androidgyny. This is a spiritual and collective expansion of consciousness—ecstatic and spontaneous choreographies that make it possible to connect with other beings.

Emma Waltraud Howes and Justin Francis Kennedy in collaboration with Balz Isler

Music composition: Ethan Braun and Nkisi Costumes: Beate Huss
Camera: Martin Gajc, Stefan Wagner
Edit: Martin Gajc