Six of Australia’s best writers and musicians have put forward their predictions for Queensland’s future in Presidentsland, a production which sees UQ’s Dr Veny Armanno pen the third and final act.
Dr Armanno teamed up with Ed Kuepper, founder and guitarist of Brisbane’s seminal punk outfit The Saints, to produce the final 30 minutes of Presidentsland, which premieres at Brisbane’s City Hall on July 29.
“It's a story of Queensland in the future, and what our hopes and ambitions might have turned into,” Dr Armanno said.
“Ed's original music is really moody and rocky, with an anthemic finale that should bring the house down.”
Presidentsland forms part of the Queensland Music Festival, which runs from July 17-August 2.
The performance is staged in three parts, each segment the by-product of a writer-composer collaboration.
Don Watson, Paul Keating’s speechwriter, worked with founder of the Australian Art Orchestra, Paul Grabowsky, to produce the opening act.
The second stage of the production represents the efforts of poet, UQ Arts graduate and honourary doctorate recipient Rodney Hall, and the Clocked Out Duo’s Erik Griswold.
Dr Armanno, a scriptwriter who has authored nine novels, became involved after being approached by QMF artistic director Deborah Conway.
“Deborah asked me what I might think the future held for a place like Queensland, and from there this sort of epic science fiction vision developed,” he said.
“The real attraction for me was to work with Ed Kuepper, who is really one of our country's great musicians and performers.
“From The Saints to now touring with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, the man is a legend.”
Presidentsland is a one-night-only performance, to be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 8pm at the Brisbane City Hall.
“It is going to be a unique experience,” Dr Armanno said.
“I don't think anyone's tried something like this – inviting three Australian writers to give their diverse visions for the future, pairing them with brilliant musicians, and putting it all together into one cohesive show.
“People who love any kind of music shouldn't miss it.”
For more information visit www.qmf.org.au.
Media: Dr Armanno (3365 3324, v.armanno@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (07 3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)
