The Song Project began as a bold experiment bringing together a group of artists and playwrights to co-create in a new way, starting with the idea that some things can only be sung.
Now as we begin to gather again, The Song Project embraces our inherent need for shared rituals to deal with life-changing events and gives space to the knotty, emotional complexities of life.
Through music performed live by Wende and musicians Nils Davidse, Louise Anna Duggan, and Midori Jaeger, the work explores the hopes and anxieties we all face, diving into the messiness of birth, death, rage, grace, friendship, motherhood, mothers, loss and ageing.
Conceived by Royal Court associate designer Chloe Lamford and award-winning Dutch singer and composer Wende, in collaboration with composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, choreographer Imogen Knight and playwrights E.V. Crowe, Sabrina Mahfouz, Somalia Nonyé Seaton, Stef Smith and Debris Stevenson, The Song Project focuses on those moments in life where rationality feels irrelevant.
The Song Project is an exclusive opportunity to see Wende, one of the Netherlands most successful artists, live in London for 10 performances. Wende has become renowned across Europe, selling out every one of her tours, winning multiple awards for both live performances and albums, and drawing comparisons with the likes of PJ Harvey. Find out more about her music and listen here.
Listen to Wende in conversation with Simon Stephens on the Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast.
The Song Project is a co-production with Stichting WENDE.
Made possible in part by Fonds Podiumkunsten (Performing Arts Fund NL).
"... sensational. Memorable. Totally intoxicating, and absolutely of itself. I can't recommend it enough"
WhatsOnStage | Sarah Crompton Read full review
"Exhilarating, magical music... Dutch singer and composer Wende is mesmerizing in this exhilarating new show"
The Reviews Hub | Jane Darcy Read full review
"I often wish I had been in Paris in the 50s when the great French singer-songwriter Barbara was performing. Now I feel better about the lack. I was at the Royal Court when Wende sang."
The Observer | Susannah Clapp Read full review
"Wende evokes various starry presences: the fragile forest-at-twilight sound of Bat For Lashes, reinforced by the scattered pot plants and the greenery hanging from the lighting rig; the hair-tossing drama of Tori Amos; the fury of Courtney Love; Joanna Newsom’s folky warble."
Financial Times | Suzi Feay Read full review
"toe-tapping tunes led by extraordinary talent"
BroadwayWorld UK | Bella Bevan Read full review
"Wende has such a talent for storytelling through song – wickedly funny, holding us on a knife’s edge, switching from a whisper to a roar..."
The Guardian | Kate Wyver Read full review
"A thrilling theatrical gig from Dutch singer Wende and the Royal Court"
Time Out | Andrzej Lukowski Read full review
"Wende has something PJ Harvey-esque in her defiant vulnerability and the raw edge of her vocals."
Financial Times
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Mon – Sat 8pm
Seating in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs is unreserved and in line with government regulations, our auditorium will be at full seating capacity.
We’re proud to be See It Safely approved by Official London Theatre, so you can feel confident and safe knowing that staff, artists and audiences are COVID-secure based on the latest government guidelines. For more information ahead of your visit click here.
Extras
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