the fool
This was the first time that the company had worked with only one composer to create a sustained piece rather than a collage of different pieces. It was also the first time the company had created an entirely serious and spiritual piece. The Fool is a contemporary parable for salvation and deals with the meaning of life and death through the portrait of a "Fool for Christ". The part of the fool was sung by one of the gogmagogs who also played his cello at the same time. The company was joined on stage by a 20 piece choir.Commissioned by the gogmagogs and the Royal Festival Hall, London. Performed in the autumn of 2000 at the Norwich and Norfolk Festival, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre as part of their 'Ikons of Light' Festival celebrating the work of John Tavener.
Music by John Tavener. Text by Mother Thekla Directed by Lucy Bailey. Designed by Bunny Christie The part of 'the fool' was performed by Matt Sharp of the gogmagogs Performers: Nell Catchpole, Alison Dods, Matthew Ward, violin; David Lasserson, viola; Chris Allan cello, Matt Sharp 'cello/baritone; Lucy Shaw, double bass. The gogmagogs were joined by a choir of 25: In Norwich, Viva Voce. In London, Pegasus.