Abstract

On 20 February the writer, composer and actor James Lark will be giving an introductory talk 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.

James Lark is currently Composer-in-residence at Bedford School. A graduate of Girton College, Cambridge, he has written scores for numerous theatrical productions, most recently his award-winning 2007 total Fringe sell-out show ‘Tony Blair – the Musical’ (‘runs the melodic gamut from near-Weillian severity to knowingly schmaltzy balladry, and is packed with rich, tight harmonies’ – The Daily Telegraph) and his 2006 one-man show ‘The Rise and Fall of Deon Vonniget’ (‘very funny… fantastically skewed’ – the New York Times). James is also an accomplished writer and actor.

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 Friday, and other talks are running on Thursday and Friday. Tickets can be reserved at www.adctheatre.com and please consult threetales.co.uk for more information about the production.