Wrequiem

Wrequiem Text
Glen Kenny

A musical and poetic expression of madness, solitude and enlightenment, Wrequiem is a supremely evocative work that draws from the remnants of nearly-lost cultures as well as touching on the resonances of the European Romantic/classical tradition, American popular culture, and high camp. From its opening moments, up to and beyond Ras own virtuosic theremin renditions of sacred Armenian melodies, accompanied by the enchanting Somna M. Bulist on the harp, the theme of an ever-more-desperate desire for a home—not just a physical dwelling but a spiritual and psychological one—reaches dimensions that transcend the physically modest design of the production. Weaving texts from Kahlil Gibrans The Madman (read by Kembra Pfahler and special guests) with Ras own compositions as well as pieces by Verdi (La Vergine degli angeli, sung by extraordinary countertenor Benjamin Marcantoni) and Massenet (Ras treatment of the latters Meditation on the theremin can only be called virtuosic), Wrequiem creates a powerful spell, fueled by the emotional commitment, eclectic sensibility, and painstaking craftsmanship of its creator. Elements of religious ritual bring the piece to a shattering but strangely hopeful conclusion.

Much of Wrequiems power is attributable to Ras incredible command of the theremin, the unusual electronic instrument on which the player creates sound by seemingly manipulating the air around the instrument. Most familiar to mainstream listeners as the source of the weird sounds heard on the Beach Boys Good Vibrations and in countless 50s sci-fi films, the theremin has an expressive potential that is only now being fully explored by a small but dedicated band of visionary musicians. Ra—whose visual presentation (he is often bedecked in jewelry of his own design) is a dazzling as his musical talent— is at the forefront of that group, and Wrequiem is just one powerful example of his overall vision as both a creator and performer.

Wrequiem Text
Glen Kenny

Set Design
Timothy Beale

Video
Jacob Burckhardt

Hair and Make up
God