Abstract

On 19 February, Dr Nick Williams of Huddersfield University will be giving an introduction to Steve Reich and Beryl Korot’s video opera ‘Three Tales’.

This fascinating work explores the role of technology in the twentieth century through a close examination of three major events: the explosion of the Hindenburg zeppelin, the atom bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, and the cloning of Dolly the Sheep. The third tale, ‘Dolly’, expands into a broader discussion of genetic engineering and the concept of man as a machine. It also features interviews with numerous leading commentators, including Richard Dawkins, Marvin Minsky and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.

Dr Williams lectures in composition at Huddersfield University. He has also worked in pop music, arranging, composing and touring with groups in England and Germany. Since 1994 he has been a freelance composer and performer based in Leeds, where he also runs his own ensemble, ‘Spelk’. He is also a member of Crank, a music box trio with composers James Saunders and Scott McLaughlin. Nick Williams’ music has been performed widely in England, Europe and North America, including the Sonorites Festival (Belfast) and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

The talk is at 10.15pm in the ADC ’s Larkum Studio, and entry is included in the price of a ticket to the show, which begins at 11.00. The show is also running on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and talks are also running on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets can be reserved at www.adctheatre.com and please consult threetales.co.uk for more information about the production.