Ontology

Featuring Topology

“Ontology: noun, the branch of metaphysics that investigates the nature of being” The Macquarie Dictionary, © 2005 Macquarie University

Ontology consists of two interlocking works: Nature/Nurture by Robert Davidson and 19… by Richard Vella. Using music, these two works examine various aspects of identity.

Nature/Nurture draws attention to how culture and ideas are made and their role in defining who we are. Robert Davidson will perform a new 45-minute work based on speech recordings supplied by ABC archives. Included are voice recordings of Margaret Mead, Steven Pinker, David Williamson, Richard Dawkins, Noam Chomsky, Helena Cronin, Stephen Jay Gould, Edward O. Wilson and many others. 

In 19… Richard Vella focuses on songs as they change over generations and a song’s relationship to our bodies and identity. Watch out, a song can change your life!

“Davidson and his musicians have been working with voice recordings for years…It’s amazing. When Topology played with a recording of Judith Wright reading one of her poems, the fusion of sound, voice and meaning was total, a beautiful understanding of poetry’s resonant intensity.” The Australian

Original Texts by Nike Bourke, Humphrey Bower
Music by Robert Davidson and Richard Vella
Performed by Topology and guests