A physical and multimedia exploration of a visionary Medieval icon and the value of women as they age
Drawing together music, movement and a multi-generational female ensemble, Hildegard von Bingen will delve into the life of celebrated twelfth Century abbess, mystic and composer Saint Hildegard.
This physical performance incorporates the figure’s own words with contemporary perspectives of womanhood to explore the span of women’s life, their value as well as the trials and tribulations of living with a spiritual gift. Considered the Patron Saint of music and poetry, the performance will use multimedia and soundscapes to viscerally externalise the voices in her head. Workshopping and developing the piece with a cast of three women, it will shine a light on the forces and pressure that shaped this multifaceted icon helping us to understand what it means to always live in fear, with wisdom, and by the values of a life devoted to God. Even given her venerated status in history, it will enquire: did Hildegard ever feel truly free?
Hildegard began experiencing intense prophetic – and often apocalyptic – visions and communications with God at an early age. Suffering through chronic illness, she kept her transcendental insights hidden from those around her until her forties, fearing she would be branded a lunatic or, worse, a witch. When she finally revealed herself as a visionary, music, poetry, and wisdom spilled out of her, and she became one of the few prominent women in Medieval church history. Hildegard von Bingen was initially developed during Invulnerable Nothing’s BarnLab residency in May 2022.
Press Contact: Annabelle at Mobius
020 3195 6269
annabelle@mobiusindustries.com
Movement directed by Gabrielle Moleta
Lighting design by Alex Forey
Sound Design by Florence Hand
Music by David Cieri
Dramaturgy by Dr Katherine Hipkiss
Cast Miriam Elwell-Sutton, Sarah Kent and Kristin Winters
Listings information:21–26 February 2023
VAULT Festival, Pit, The Vaults, Leake Street London, SE1 7NN
