On 17 November, The Ming Passion is coming to Kunstfort. In collaboration with our partner CruquiusConcerten, we present a contemporary and ecological passion story about the relationship between humans and the sea. The experimental performance will be part of the programme of our autumn exhibition If only we could master miracles.
The Ming Passion is a staged performance based on a true story, centering on a bivalve clam, or Arctica Islandica, fished up off the coast of Iceland in 2006. The composition of the annual rings provided information on climate change, such as rising sea temperatures in recent centuries. Only in the laboratory did researchers find out that Ming was 507 years old at the time of death, leading to sensational headlines like “Scientists kill oldest living animal ever”. The animal was named Ming, after the dynasty then ruling China, a testament to its staggeringly old age.
The performances feature the musicians of VONK, alongside soprano Sterre Konijn and countertenor Kaspar Kröner. Writer and theater maker Lisanne van Aert has crafted a lyrically and philosophically rich libretto for the imaginative sound worlds created by composer Nicoline Soeter, while Floriaan Ganzevoort’s light design transforms the stage from a laboratory into a magical fantasy world.
VONK is an ensemble with a strong sound of its own due to its original line-up of vocals, saxophones, clarinets and percussion. Four musicians and a composer form the permanent team, continuing to challenge each other in finding a distinct sound. In their projects, they give internationally renowned composers, songwriters, poets and librettists a contemporary voice.
The performance takes place on 17 November 17:00h. It is preceded by an introduction at 16:00h and followed by an aftertalk. The exhibition is open from 13:00h.
For tickets click here.