THEMES:

Whilst “Songs from the Sea” is a collision of two worlds and elemental forces derived from the expertise of the co-creatives and their respective disciplines: Samantha Hafey (Performance Art/Theater) and Thomas Meyer (Jazz/Creative Composition) it focuses primarily on the leading question "can we create a metaphorical ocean on stage?"

Water holds great symbolism whilst containing some of the most divisive connotations. For some it offers purity, cleanliness, life force energy, and is a pure source of joy and vitality. For others they resonate more so with its power and force, they find themselves moved by its turbulence and volatility, perhaps fearing the darkness lurking below the surface or moving towards it with intrigue.

Water can reflect like a mirror, or it can disguise with a murky and clouded mask. Water can distil and reveal with crystalline vulnerability and clarity. This piece aims to capture the essence of this evocative and chameleon element and its various interpretations. It also acts as a metaphor for the darker waters of our psyche and deeper truths and urges we hide, the love we seek and the greater search for belonging we all traverse.

Any of us could sink or swim. All of us can float and drown.

Thematically it deals with:

~Man’s fear of ocean and the organic
~Womxn's innate connection to water (birthing and periods etc).
~Man's attempts to control or dominate the ocean and consequently the Womxn in his life
~Conservation, our need to protect and deep desire to connect.

VOICES AND CHARACTERS:

The musical journey allows various voices (Sailor, Siren, Ocean) to erupt through the clattering of waves. Some stories are told symbolically through instrument or movement and others more directly through rap, poetry or spoken word. The main narratives explored revolve around the interaction of three characters:

(1) The feelings of a man reflecting on his journey as a 17 year old navy officer stuck in a water prison, separated from his land locked-love, hallucinating sirens into existence and growing sea sick, dizzy and drunk on oyster brine, with too many weapons at his disposal.
(2) A seal woman who is pulled from the ocean and wanders aimlessly in liminality feeling displaced and stuck between two worlds. Longing no matter where she locates: land or sea.
(3) And the ocean who feels everything; the pull of the people, the hurt, pain and immeasurable love.

Overall this piece is a montage of stories and vignettes that ebb and flow and marinate just as water does.

Liv is a freelance writer focussed on conversations about feminist issues and art. She is excited to explore this subject matter through the Pink Ink platform. With a passion for listening, Liv’s goal is to empower other people’s voices, helping articulate new ideas and perspectives within her writing.