ICR Romanian Cultural Institute London

In a quest to reconnect with his Eastern European roots, virtuoso violinist Alexander Balanescu, leader of the internationally renowned Balanescu Quartet, turns to Romania as inspiration for The Island. Working with Ada Milea, an extraordinary young radical Romanian vocalist, actress and songwriter, he has composed a remarkable song cycle. Sung in English, The Island is inspired by the classic Robinson Crusoe story but with an improbable twist. As re-told by pre-war Romanian surrealist poet Gellu Naum, Robinson is now a haunted recluse alone on his island, although he is surrounded by many people, animals and things.

Ada Milea gives a startling stage performance, capitalising on her unique story-telling abilities alongside Alex Balanescu’s extraordinary violin performance and gift for melody. Raising questions about identity and memory, they create a moving parable, totally outside of normal music performance. Ada Milea’s cult reputation rests on her ability to shift rapidly between emotions and characters, blurring the boundaries between theatre and music.

“A wild, rumbustious and often extremely amusing land inhabited by a mermaid prostitute, grandparents and a pirate with wooden legs, in which Balanescu’s soft, dead-pan voice of Crusoe, contrasts with the extraordinary vocal gymnastics of Milea”
Oxford Times

When & Where: Fri 14 Mar , 7.30pm, ICIA Arts Theatre, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
Tickets £15, Concs £12, University staff £12, BUSU £7, Box Office: 01225 386777

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