Although he has numerous instrumental, orchestral and theatrical works to his name, it is through cinema that Michael Nyman has truly gained recognition. His minimalist approach takes shape within a classical musical idiom intermingled with the influence of rock. He has provided soundtracks to memorable films such as The Draughtsman’s Contract (1981) and A Zed & Two Noughts (1985), directed by the legendary Peter Greenaway, as well as Jane Campion’s The Piano (1993). It is no surprise, therefore, that he is preparing a vast visual and musical fresco to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
War Work rests on contemporary archive films shot in a variety of locations in Great Britain, France and Germany. Michael Nyman brings everything back to life which has faded from memory: unknown soldiers – simple bodies without identity – or those who disappeared during the war – identities without bodies. In this way, he reaches back to the ideas of the Dadaist movement, when battlefields provided inspiration and an absurd vocabulary. Nyman also draws from other sources, having been greatly influenced by the heart-rending writings of August Stramm, who was one of the earliest German expressionists and died at the front in 1915.

Due to its content and potentially disturbing visual effects, the show is recommended above age 16.

Joint production of the Cité de la musique (Paris), the La Comète (Châlons-en-Champagne), the L’Arsenal (Metz), the Kölner Philharmonie and the Palace of Arts.

Presented by: Palace of Arts