Silkweed have established a reputation for their combined musical and dramatic interpretations. Their shows frequently explore historical events with a touch of poetic license and reference to contemporary issues in a form that has proven accessible to all audiences. Silkweed weave strings, keyboard, vocals, flute and accordion to produce a sound which is lyrical, soulful and always heartfelt.
Upcoming show: Letters from a Distant Heart
Silkweed have been funded by Tasmanian Regional Arts to develop their next show-"Letters from a Distant Heart"; based on letters from Erin's father who was interred in Japanese POW camps and others from asylum seekers in Australian detention centres.
The show will premier at the 2012 Cygnet Folk Festival.
For a taster of the letters (as yet unedited) go to "upcoming shows"
Jane Franklin, 'An Examined Life'
This piece of music theatre and multi-media was first performed at the 2008 Cygnet Folk Festival. During 2010 it was performed again at the Cygnet Folk Festival, The National Folk Festival and has toured Tasmania under the auspices of Regional Arts.
It has met with substantial critical acclaim. It contains a real insight into Australian history and combines theatre and both traditional and composed music. Violin, cello, piano, accordion and voice combine to weave an evocative musical and visual journey.
"Jane Franklin-an examined life" is based on the fascinating life of Jane Franklin....a woman ahead of her time; she was an explorer and adventurer, a prolific diarist and wife of Sir John Franklin, Arctic explorer and one-time Governor of Tasmania. John Franklin died searching for the North-West passage and his widow spent her later years ensuring his place in the history books.
Maria - Island of Dreams
Silkweed's "Maria Island of Dreams" depicts the fascinating history of a small island off the East Coast of Tasmania. Maria - Island of Dreams was performed to critical acclaim during Cygnet Folk Festival & Tasmania's Premier Arts Festival - Ten Days on the Island in 2007.
"This island has been inspiration for some and heartbreak for many... Named for a woman it is a siren that has shipwrecked many a man's dreams."
Silkweed’s music has been played for dance performances, artists’ installations and multimedia events as well as concerts and festival performances. Silkweed can also be commissioned to compose original material for your event or performance.
