Words: Kiera Harper
Image: Jeremy David
4 Stars
Delusions and Grandeur is an insightful exploration of artistic identity, success and an artist’s relationship with their craft.
Between musical interludes of Suite Number One in G Major by J.S. Bach, Karen Hall uses raw storytelling to explore her push and pull, codependent relationship with her cello and reveal the person behind the instrument. Hall’s cello playing is masterful, but what brings this show to life are the sections where she’s allowed to be human rather than a vessel for the music. Having played cello since she was a child, Hall ruminates on whether it was really her choice to become a musician or something that just happened to her. She delves into the insanity that comes with being an artist and poses other chicken and egg style questions that artists in the audience will resonate with, especially those who can’t tell whether they love their art because they’re good at it or are good at it because they love it. With a backup career in clowning, Hall’s comedy shines through. Her humour and humanity make the show entertaining, sentimental and close to the audience.
With current conversations around classical music, opera and ballet, facing funding cuts yet being forced to modernise to attract larger crowds, this show speaks for the artists on stage who have dedicated their lives to this supposed dying art form and highlights that it’s not going anywhere. Lacking the typical formality of a classical performance, Delusions and Grandeur makes classical music more accessible for audiences and encourages them to attend and appreciate these timeless art forms.
Delusions and Grandeur
Playground 2 at ZOO Playground
13:05
7th – 30th August