The Blackbird Ensemble enchants again

A while ago I saw a performance of the Blackbird Ensemble and I was stoked. It was one of the most beautiful shows I have ever seen. So I was up for it straight away, when my friend suggested to go see their Dreams.

I attended the show with great expectations. And I was everything but disappointed! I loved the choice of a venue. Basement Theatre is a tiny cafe in the CBD, funky and cute. The theatre room is unusual as it is very wide, allowing long but narrow stage and only 4 rows of seats. The layout certainly created an impression that the audience is part of the stage. I loved the scene. 9-piece-ensemble was dressed in PJs, barefeet, lying on beds, looking very sleepy. Until they started playing those tunes! They didn’t seem that sleepy anymore :). The members of the band are exceptional musicians, playing a few instruments each, clearly enjoying in the music they produce. The lead singer has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard. And the guy singer… he has beautiful eyes :).

 

Q Theatre – “encounter the extraordinary & the eclectic”

A while ago I visited a show called The Wilderness (by Blackbird Ensemble) in Auckland’s Q Theatre. I could say that this is one of my favourite shows of all times. Because of the show itself, because of the setup and because of the venue.

Q Theatre is a venue located at 305 Queen Street in the very centre of Auckland. As you enter it, you step into a huge lounge. “Original 1920s cornices are set-off by rich magenta walls and polished wooden floorboards. The casual leather furnishings provide ample backdrop for socialising and memorable networking occasions.” I love one of the window tables that provides you with privacy and offers you a perfect view of the street at the same time. It is worth checking out, even if you don’t plan to attend any of the shows that day.

Q Theatre has 3 show rooms / theatres, of different sizes and settings. The show I saw was held in Loft, a tiny room (tiny only in terms of a theatre, it is still way bigger than my bedroom) above the lounge. The entrance is from the street, from where narrow steps lead you to the upper floor. When I visited it the hall has been covered in bush, the stage has been transformed into a wild forest, and there was even a little puddle in the middle. The setting not only added to the visual experience of the show, but contributed a real smell of a bush. No wonders when listening to “Max Richter’s contemporary “recomposed” version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, played with spirit and featuring violinist Amalia Hall” I actually felt goosebumps covering my body.