METROPOLIS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
THE BROTHERS BALLIETT
INTERACTIVE NABOKOV:
THE WALTZ INVENTION
A performance-party where audience-members get to play a part in re-enacting Nabokov’s oddly prescient 1938 drama of a demagogue holding the world hostage, all set to live original incidental music.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Caveat / 21 Clinton Street / New York, NY
7:00pm (doors) / 7:30pm (event)
Tickets: $20 General / $10 Student
on the program
Brad Balliett: Nabokov’s The Waltz Invention*
*World Premiere Metropolis Ensemble Commission
Vladimir Nabokov's chilling and oddly prescient tragicomedy The Waltz Invention tells the story of a political madman who holds a mythical country ransom with threats of a powerful weapon of mass destruction. In turns both disturbing and hilarious, the play presents a cast of eminently human characters who struggle with the question of how to behave when a dangerous demagogue takes control of the government.
For the first time, audiences have the chance to experience the power of Nabokov's writing by taking direct part in the action! The Brothers Balliett (twin brothers Brad and Doug) host this unique and innovative performance-party in which attendees take on the dramatic roles, reading parts with their fellow concert-goers alongside experienced actors.
How does this work?
By changing the cast with every scene and providing clarifying commentary and synopses, the Brothers will guide attendees into Nabokov's world by allowing the audience to become the actors — all set to newly-composed incidental music, performed by Grammy-nominated musicians of Metropolis Ensemble, a contemporary chamber orchestra based in New York.
“Heralds the trumpet of the future”
“incisive...compelling violinist”
In anticipation of the upcoming interactive theater event, we sat down with brad balliett for Metropolis Radio's podcast series.
Contributing Artists
