Pure talent!

31st May 2018, a lot of persistence was required to reach Luxembourg on time for the final performance of the TalentLAB of the Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg where we had also planned our network meeting. 

Bad weather was causing transport disruption all over Europe: flights were being delayed, postponed or cancelled, and as the start of the event was approaching, uncertainty was growing…were we going to make it on time in order to discover the opera and theatre projects, among which, the new opera Speak Red that is supported by enoa?

Well yes, we made it and it was worth it.

After some words of introduction about the importance of offering experimentation space and mentoring opportunities to young creators, the floor was given to mezzo-soprano Romie Estèves who was mentor of the project Speak Red, which she accompanied throughout the LAB.

Enraptured by the approach and the high level of the research and experimentation work done by the project leaders, she applauded the subject of the project - aphasia - unheard of previously at the opera. She also highlighted the creators’ commitment to avoid leaps in the process of creating a new and specific language: as we find out, this process will be a collaborative work done with people living with aphasia and speech therapists that will continue after this first LAB.

The duo of creators FXXX BXXXXX (writer and stage director) and Santa Buss (composer) took their place on stage, followed by cellist Annemie Osbourne and singer Lore Lixenberg. At the end of the 15 minutes performance, the microphone is handed to the captivated and enthusiastic audience.
Two equally promising theatre projects will follow, confirming that this is really a Talent Laboratory!  

photo credit © boshua