Photo credit: Elena Rufenacht. Subject: Su Min Lee from WASTELAND presented by Monash Uni Student Theatre.
About the Work:
A highly-collaborative, multi-disciplinary work, Wind Down explores the climate crisis through a wind-inspired narrative. The work draws on the varied expertise of artists, Anusha Yellapragada (composer/dancer/woodwind instrumentalist), Alexander Meagher (percussionist/martial artist), Su Min Lee (contemporary dancer/harpist), and Sam Pringle (writer/actor/tap dancer). To paint a sonic picture of frustration and hope, Wind Down encompasses elements of fluid movement and satirical theatre, with vibrant flute and various percussive timbres. Embellished by an investigation of the sonic colours of chimes, amplified desktop fan, and electronics, this work highlights the snare drum and prepared vibraphone.
Images by Darren Gill by courtesy of Speak Percussion.
*Performers:
- Dance, Choreography: Lee Su Min
- Percussion, Movement: Alexander Meagher
- Writing, Acting, Devising: Sam Pringle
- Composition, Direction, Live Mixing: Anusha Yellapragada
Instrumentation:
For snare drum, prepared vibraphone, chimes, amplified desktop fan, and electronics.
*In addition to their main area of expertise (detailed above), performers each have a background in some form of movement, theatre, and music performance. All performers dance, and play percussion at given points in the performance.
Acknowledgements:
This project was made possible due to the mentorship and support of Speak Percussion through their Bespoke Artists Program (2023). Wind Down development was presented as part of Axon (9/2024) – a weekend of sonic experiments and music conceived and presented by Speak Percussion’s Bespoke Artists. This intimate showcase features live performances of 12 interdisciplinary works, split into 4 concert programs across 3 days, at Darebin Arts Centre. Presented by Darebin Arts Speakeasy and Speak Percussion with the generous support of the Robert Salzer Foundation.
Anusha Yellapragada Composer 