A phantasmagoric chamber opera investigating time.

Tick tock. ‘Can we hold our breath against time?’ Speaking backwards and forwards, to the unsynced ticking of giant metronomes, inimitable South African artist William Kentridge invites you on a journey to the edge of science, theatre and art.

An epic theatrical companion piece to Kentridge’s video installation, The Refusal of Time (PIAF 2014), Refuse the Hour interweaves an astonishing array of visual and sound languages, dance, live music, projections, drama and dynamic scenic design. Kentridge acts as a contemporary storyteller, recounting a tale that begins with the myth of Perseus and ends with Einstein’s visionary findings.

With Kentridge centre stage, the various elements swirl around him: dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo enters into a tight physical interaction with the artist and set, singers and musicians perform Philip Miller’s riveting score, an array of musical machines clatter intermittently into life and Catherine Meyburgh’s video design animates the proceedings.

Entirely original in its conception and presentation, Refuse the Hour is a spectacular multimedia work.

Parking:

Please take note that Perth International Arts Festival's HOME will be taking place in Langley Park on Saturday 13 February. The scale of the event will make parking restrictive for the Saturday performance, it is best to plan ahead - see the closest public parking facilities here.