“And I dread sinking into the vertigo of unconsciousness, into the well of oblivion” …

Premiered in 2010, Kaija Saariaho’s dramatically charged monodrama Émilie draws inspiration from the life, and the final writings, of Émilie du Châtelet, an extraordinary mathematician, scientist, and philosopher. Unfolding as a stream of consciousness narrative, a series of vignettes during her ultimately fatal pregnancy, Émilie gives an incisive, haunting voice to women’s experiences of rage, elation, grief, and despair in a society unwilling to hear them.

In a concert performance, The Cooperative is delighted to present the Australian premiere of this incredible work, re-envisaged for five singers, and performed by an outstanding cast and orchestral ensemble. All profits taken from admission will support organisations working for advancement of women’s health and wellbeing, in Australia and globally.

What?

Émilie

A monodrama in concert

Kaija Saariaho & Amin Maalouf

When?

30 July, 7:30pm

Where?

Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney

Pitt Street Uniting Church is accessible by public transport - the closest train and light rail station is Town Hall (2-3 minutes' walk), and buses run from the QVB, Town Hall, Castlereagh St, and Elizabeth St (all within 3 minutes' walk).

There is very limited paid parking nearby (closest parking station is the QVB).

Who?

Conductor – Joanna Drimatis

Cast

Hannah Burton

Elizabeth Cooper

Joanna Dionis Ross

Kirralee Hillier

Xiaoxu Aleta Shang

Information to note

Please note that this work explores themes which may be distressing. We encourage you to contact us at thecooperativesydney@gmail.com for further information or with any concerns, and we will assist however possible.

Pay-as-you-feel admission, online or at the door. We will have cash and card donation options at the door.

We strongly encourage you to book in advance. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance, and seating is unreserved.

We perform and create on the unceded land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We offer our utmost respect to the custodians of this land, their Elders past and present, and acknowledge and affirm that this is, was, and always will be Aboriginal Land. Sovereignty was never ceded.

In line with current NSW government guidelines, we ask that you do not attend performances if unwell or displaying symptoms of Covid-19, which can be found here. We ask you to please sanitise hands upon entry to the venue (sanitiser will be provided), and strongly encourage you to wear a face mask throughout the performance.

The Cooperative is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body