Undersong
“A visceral and life-affirming experience”
- Bristol 24/7
Undersong places you at the heart of a musical experience.
Singers weave amongst you and around the space, filling the air with song.
You are invited to simply listen, as the performers shape the music around you.
Different for every seat. Different every night.
The songs range from playful whispers to rich harmony.
“One of the most extraordinary pieces of performance I’ve ever seen.”
- Exeunt
“Undersong is truly transformative.”
- Miro Magazine
“Blown away by Verity Standen’s Undersong. The way she composes music makes me feel like I’m in a jacuzzi of sound and I never want to get out, even if I go all wrinkly.”
– Audience member, Mayfest 2018.
Undersong premiered at Mayfest, Bristol and Ovalhouse, London in 2018. It was due to set out on a large UK tour in 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic swept in.
Composer: Verity Standen
Performers (2020): Connor Going, Damelola Rowe, Dominie Hooper, Ellie Showering, Jannah Warlow, Jennifer John, Kate Smith, Tom Penn & Verity Standen.
2018 company included: Coco Mbassi, Dominika Jarosz & Henry McGrath
Sound Designer: Jack Drewry
Movement Director: Clare Reynolds
Originally devised with: Laila Diallo
Lighting Designer: Ben Pacey
Dramaturg: John Norton
Costume Advisor: Hannah Wolfe
Outside Eye: Tom Morris
Composing Mentor: Orlando Gough
Produced by MAYK in association with Verity Standen Projects.
Commissioned by MAYK, Bristol Old Vic and Ovalhouse.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Previous development supported by Complicite, Bristol Old Vic Ferment, Shoreditch Town Hall and The Point Eastleigh.
Photos and film by Paul Blakemore.