YERMA
Sarah is an extraordinary collaborator - enhancing the creative force of the piece and holding the performers in passion, rigour and care. Her work is distinctive, layered and cohesive - she is able to grow a language out of the piece that speaks to its themes and underpins the dramaturgical journey of the play
Director - Sophie Dillon Moniram
Suffocating in a life void of passion, a young woman longs for a child but is tormented by the social stigma of being in a childless marriage. As she desperately turns to unconventional sources for answers, her controversial actions send shockwaves through her community. Performed at the Milton Court Theatre, Barbican London. 2023
photo by David Monteith Hodge
The Music
Sarah’s score infused this production throughout. The chorus vocalising in harmony reflecting, responding and breathing with the moods and themes within the play.
Rich in texture the music and song ranged from delicate solo a cappella folk melodies to experimental vocal soundscapes. Large scale pulsating choral pieces framed the work and rhythmically drove the transitions. Sarah explored various vocal techniques, some subtle, gently underscoring the spoken word and others where the performers had to powerfully fill the space with open throats, cries and guttural sound.
The score also featured live on stage instruments and electronic elements incorporating tuned glass, pre recorded strings and percussion.
Yerma cast, creatives and crew by DM Hodge
photo by David Monteith Hodge
Credits
written by Federico García Lorca
adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma
Sophie Dillon Moniram director
Sarah Llewelyn composer/music director
Dora Schweitzer set & costume designer
Jess Williams movement director
Annemette Verspeak company voice work
Elizabeth Laurence assistant director
Joe McKenna lighting designer
Jan Robotycki sound designer
Sandy McGregor video designer
photo by David Monteith Hodge
Cast
Yerma Nina Cassells
Juan / Ensemble Evan Silverstein
Victor / Moon Performer / Ensemble Adil Hassan
Maria / Ensemble Esther O’Casey
Old Woman / Ensemble Isobel Akuwudike
Dolores/ Ensemble MC Bury
Old Woman / Ensemble Emelie Dahlskog
Girl 1 / 2nd Woman / Ensemble Bethany Wooding
Girl 2 / Ensemble Ruby Thompson
3rd Woman / Sun Performer / Ensemble V Lamont Gillies
4th Woman / 2nd Sister / Ensemble Anabella O’Gorman
5th Woman / 1st Sister / Ensemble Marianna Scott