Boundary-bashing transgressive arts

THE first Purpur – A Night of Transgressive Arts provides a platform for new cutting edge work, complemented by modern ‘classics’, with local artists for one night only at the Young Blood Gallery.

The event, along with its name, developed out of conversations between local composers Michael Blake and Pierre-Henri Wicomb during a composer residency in the Baltic several years ago.

YoungbloodAfrica, which has been developing a performing arts programme to complement its roster of visual artists, provides the ideal setting for this new, boundary-bashing venture.

The Lab begins at 6pm on November 18 and showcases leading performers and improvisers, among them three brilliant young concert pianists: Mareli Stolp playing George Crumb (USA) – A Little Suite for Christmas AD 1979, Coila Enderstein playing Pierre-Henri Wicomb’s Me (an)D and newcomer to Purpur Joanna Wicherek playing Jacob ter Veldhuis’ (Netherlands) – Body of Your Dreams with video.

Improvising duo, Frank Mallows on vibraphone and Brydon Bolton on laptop, return with another wacky set, and further electronic excursions are provided Miles Warrington with Across II Lines, and another newcomer to Purpur Roche van Tiddens with his Praying Mantis IV.

Cape Town’s Dada diva Wilmien Wicomb is back with the next instalment of Kurt Schwitters’ classic Ur-Sonate and Michael Blake complements this with a short Fluxus statement for a pianist – György Ligeti’s Trois Bagatelles (1961).

Finally, two works exploring dance: Tome by Nicola van Straaten and Coila Enderstein, and Prematuur’s Freedom in Captivity are also on the bill.

All from 6pm to 8pm at the Young Blood Gallery at 70 -72 Bree Street.

Tickets: R50 at the door. Book: 021 424 0074, marie@youngbloodafrica.com. Cash bar and snacks available throughout the night at the Beautifull Food restaurant situated in the gallery. Information: www.michaelblake.co.za / www. wicomb.net /