Name: The Inanna Project - SINGAPORE
Start: 2024-05-12T01:00:00+08:00
Location: 42 Waterloo St, Singapore 187951, Singapore

“The Inanna Project” is a long-term creative initiative bringing to life a cycle of Sumerian poems based on the ancient figure of the High Priestess, Inanna. Central in Sumerian mythology, Inanna does not just represent a deity, but is a symbol of femininity, spirituality and fortitude. Her story, etched into the annals of human history, traces back to the third millennium BCE to ancient Mesopotamia, which can be seen as a cradle of civilization. Inanna's significance within the pantheon of gods and goddesses was immense, being the goddess of love, war, and fertility. Her figure also reflects the multi-layered complexity of human nature, and her journeys – filled with humorous and profound trials and tribulations – serve as a metaphor for the human condition.
Theatre No Theatre has embarked on a journey to bring these ancient verses to life. The Project encompasses the translation of these ancient poems into languages spoken by the performers (including Spanish, English, Korean, Italian, and Hebrew), and delves into the development of sonic creations inspired by the traditions of singing and storytelling coming from the diverse cultures from which the performers hail. With dedication to meticulous research, translation, and the composition of song, the team is creating a performance that strives to transcend barriers that can appear in our perception due to linguistic and cultural differences. The performance also aims to bring to life, in our modern era, the age-old art of storytelling through song.
“The Inanna Project” is not only a locus of cultural exchange and international collaboration, but also fosters appreciation for respectful interplay between tradition and innovation. Aiming for high quality in musical composition and execution, the composers/performers bridge gaps which they have found between themselves and their own traditions, connecting threads of personal history, while weaving together a complex performative tapestry that will be a testimony to essential and universal aspects of human experience. The team approaches these ancient texts as if they may hold a secret for us today, asking: what might these poems reveal to us about ourselves, life, and one another?
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours with intermission
Directed by: Thomas Richards
Assistant Director: Jessica Losilla-Hébrail
With and by: Hyun Ju Baek, Ettore Brocca, Kei Franklin, Alejandro Linares, Jessica Losilla-Hébrail, Fabio Pagano and Thomas Richards
Special Thanks to The Necessary Stage for lending us cushions!