Esme Davis
In a darkened church lit through stained glass windows, sink into cushion chairs and prepare to relax as you’re treated with the ringing of classical piano, accompanied by a swirling mirage of shapes and colours projected onto silky sheets.
Pianist Ke Ma brings her thesis to the stage as she dissects what underpins classical piano music. She begins by explaining how several familiar classical composers were influenced by Chinese culture, musicians, and myths. Her show aims to platform those inspirations by intertwining the work of Western and Asian composers. This mission is elevated further by Shangyu Li’s visuals: abstract shapes, swirling and melding through a captivating variety of colours and speeds, projected onto sheets hung from the church ceiling.
Alongside the classical music, the visual elements are reminiscent of a historical art gallery. As the songs shift from one to the next, we are treated with shifting green strokes and pulsing spans of colour, shapes that slide across the room and textures that overlap the sheets, hitting the walls beyond so that the experience feels uncontained and flowing. There are moments where the visuals verge on feeling repetitive. A particular green pattern remains consistent for much of the beginning of the piece and reappears several times. In some moments, this created a pleasant familiarity. In others, I found myself wishing for something different.
Instead of moving in time with the music, the projections instead seem to respond to it. This gives the work a very humane feel; not a work of technology exactly synchronised, but rather two partners – music and light – playing off of each other in a strange and captivating dance.
Amongst the frantic business of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the stillness and simplicity of this show really shines. Like taking a deep breath, it offers a moment to slow down and appreciate art for how beautiful it can be when it’s stripped back to the most fundamental elements. Sound and light, interacting and interweaving, both holding the attention and the space effortlessly and without needing frills. It is elevated further by the seamless integration of a culture whose influence is at risk of being forgotten. This piece provides a needed moment to celebrate the multicultural truth to many familiar compositions.
This wonderful show is ideal for anyone looking for a moment to breathe and take a moment of peace away from the chaos of Fringe.
Recommended Drink: An espresso martini, classy and classic.
You can catch A Sonic Déjà Vu at Main Auditorium at King’s Hall from 8th July to 9th August at Various Times (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
Jake Mace
