Musical theatre on the future of music makers

What is your future if, as a musician, you can only rely on the generosity of your audience? When all other support has fallen away and art-making has moved to the streets. Is the offering still seen, still appreciated?

A mother and son, both cellists, have only the outdoors left to make music in. Next to Circular Paradise, a large hall of second-hand stuff, they have found their permanent place. They try to gauge the musical tastes of passers-by and adjust their repertoire accordingly. Do the passers-by realise they are dealing with two talented musicians? Or do they just see two tramps?

The mother is classically trained and has a glittering career behind her. The new situation makes her rebellious and anxious, and it does not help that she is also in transition. The son is embarrassed for his mother. Raised with a multitude of musical styles, he has friends in different circuits. His self-confidence leads him to believe that things will work out no matter what.

Mother and son have to reinvent themselves – as musicians but also in their relationship to each other. Holding a caffè sospeso, a donated coffee, in their hands, they cherish a dream of better times. But soon they wonder: is this their new life? And how did they actually get into it? What values do they share and is that the basis for moving forward together? Step by step, the son comes to realise that his mother is stuck in her plight and makes a radical decision. In search of a better future for both of them.

Caffè sospeso is a contemporary, light, interdisciplinary and abrasive musical theatre performance that fortunately also allows for laughter. New compositions for cello are combined with spoken word, humming, beatboxing and piano. Per performance, a third musician from the world of jazz, classical music, world music, pop music or spoken word will be our guest.

About the music in Caffè sospeso

Composer/singer/guitarist David Dramm approaches the music of Caffè sospeso in the form of a triangle where each corner has its own function and history: the music of the mother, the son and the (absent) father, the music that has to be played in the streets to earn money and thematic interludes (music of the city). From a dreamy tapestry of existing and newly written music excerpts to music that refers to Tin Pan Alley and Afrofuture jazz as well as funk-like pieces. For mother and son, the father’s elusive compositions remain an ongoing conversation in words ánd music that – just like about the father himself – they will never be able to figure out.

Credits

text and direction Mirjam Koen │ compositions and musical direction David Dramm │ cello and acting Doris Hochscheid, Harald Austbø │ design Gerrit Timmers │ costumes Jacqueline de Maat │ lighting Bas Standaar | business management Caecilia van Stigt | marketing and communication Green Room Creatives | sales Hedi Legerstee | producer Stichting Cello Sonate in collaboration with OT Rotterdam

The press about the previous collaboration between Cello Sonata and OT Rotterdam:

Director Mirjam Koen has created a tightly rocking performance. Pop rock infused with organ, harpsichord, waltzes and a prominent role for Harald Austbø’s cello. ****

Vincent Kouters, De Volkskrant

*Musically it is raunchy, with a starring role for cellist Doris Hochscheid Hochscheid is visibly enjoying herself as an actress and her cello playing is superb.

Joep Stapel, NRC

‘Hochscheid, Van Ruth and Van de Woerd put on a completely convincing and sometimes gripping performance, which may well go on to win high honours internationally.’

Erik Voermans, Parool