Van Diemen's Fiddles: Sirens
Presented in association with Ten Days on the Island and Theatre North
An immersive new concert experience from Van Diemen's Fiddles
Mythological shapeshifters, the figure of the Siren has been present in seemingly unrelated cultures for millennia. Appearing as half-birds, or with fish-like tails and often gender fluid, Sirens were singing enchantresses capable of luring passing sailors to their doom with the irresistible beauty of their song.
Their ominous presence is woven throughout the myths and legends of the world. In some cultures, they signify life and fertility within the ocean; in others, the temptation of knowledge. However, they seem to unanimously embody the destructive nature of water — serving as an omen for storms, unruly seas, and danger.
Bringing a new approach to these ancient stories, Van Diemen’s Fiddles lend their unique sound-world to an evocatively mesmerising program of new works and re-worked historical compositions based on tales from Japan, Germany, ancient Greece, and current-day lutruwita/Tasmania.
Van Diemen’s Fiddles unite the exceptional talents of Baroque violinist Julia Fredersdorff, klezmer/folk fiddler Rachel Meyers, experimental/folk fiddler Emily Sheppard, and contemporary/Baroque violist Katie Yap.
Photo credit: Albert Comper
Please note: Sirens contains themes of gender identity, mortality and death. Some lighting effects and non-toxic stage haze are used during the performance.
Partners
| Van Diemen's Fiddles | Julia Fredersdorff Artistic Director / Baroque Violin, Vocals Emily Sheppard Violin, Octave Violin, Eelhu, Taiko, Vocals Rachel Meyers Violin, Octave Violin, Vocals Katie Yap Violin, Electric Violin, Viola, Kane, Vocals |
| LIGHTING DESIGN | Matthew Marshall |
| DRAMATURGICAL ADVICE | Lindy Hume |
| AUDIO PRODUCTION | Luke Plumb |
| DAPHNE MYTH TEXT | Isabel Howard & Emily Sheppard |
| NARRATION | Jane Longhurst |
| PRODUCER | Jennifer Kerr |
| OPERATIONS MANAGER | Dirk Lorenzen |
Works by Rachel Meyers and Emily Sheppard were assisted by a King Island Council Artist Residency. Emily Sheppard Descent into sirens was created with support from APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund. Sirens was supported by a creative development residency at Four Winds. |
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| THANKYOU | Our thanks to everyone who provided advice, guidance and more along the way ..... Uncle Jim-puralia Everett-meenamatta, Aunty Lola Greeno, Lindy Hume, Ten Days on the Island, Theatre Royal, Theatre North, Burnie Arts, Four Winds, HLA Management, Matt Calic/Calic Carpentry & Building, Access Plastics, Taiko Drum Tasmania Inc. |
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Rachel Meyers (b.1981) Diurnality (2024) Marco Uccellini (1603-1680) Questa Bella Sirena from Sonate, correnti et arie Op.4 (1645) Kerry Andrew (b.1978) arr. VDF and Donald Nicolson (2025) Blue Men (2023) Emily Sheppard (b.1993) Descent into sirens* (2025) Katie Yap (b.1990) & Yyan Ng (b.1985) Kairai* (2025) Quin Thomson (b.1974) Perceived / Real* (2025) R. Meyers (b.1981) Ginosko* (2025) Fredrik Sjölin (b.1982) Shore (2017) Trad. arr. R. Meyers (2025) Land on the Shore * World Premiere For full program details including song lyrics and Daphne & Apollo Myth text CLICK HERE. |
Event and ticketing details
Date & Time
| Theatre Royal, nipaluna/Hobart *SELLING FAST* |
Sun 23 March 3.00pm 7.00pm |
| Burnie Arts Centre |
Fri 28 March 6.00pm |
| Princess Theatre, Launceston |
Thu 3 April 6.00pm |
Tickets
| Hobart | $45-$59 |
| Burnie | $35-$49 |
| Launceston | $30-$49 |
Booking Fees
| nipaluna/Hobart | All bookings will incur a $5 transaction fee. |
| pataway/Burnie | Please note: a per transaction fee of $5.50 applies to online orders. |
| Launceston | A processing fee of $6 applies to tickets purchased online. This is a per transaction fee, not per ticket fee, which will be applied at checkout. |
Location
Studio Theatre, Theatre Royal Hobart
Corner of Campbell & Collins Streets, Nipaluna/Hobart
Get directions