The Sound of Tea, which is a multi-sensory celebration of the tradition of tea across a range of different cultures and incorporates musical performance and digital technology, creating a unique performance each time.
The Sound of Tea, will be performed exclusively at York’s National Centre for Early Music on 17th June, incorporating live music mixes with specially designed lighting and soundscapes, participatory tea rituals and cutting-edge digital technology, which is employed to capture and reflect audience responses in real-time.
Creator and musician Supriya Nagarajan uses her experience of the condition synaesthesia to examine and explore the interplay between sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch.
The Sound of Tea will also feature a number of unique interactive digital tables, which have been designed and developed by Professor Mick Grierson from the University of Arts London (UAL).
This technology will enable the audience to influence the performance, resulting in a bespoke performance each and every time.
The Manasamitra team have developed the show with the assistance from tea consultant Beverley Wainwright, alongside actress and cultural educator Fenfen Huang who will undertake a demonstration of a tea ceremony as an integral part of the performance.
The show premiered in London in early 2020, but due to the pandemic restrictions the remainder of the tour had to be postponed.
Clearly excited to get back on the stage, Supriya said: “Our team is incredibly happy to be able to bring The Sound of Tea to a live audience again after such a lengthy postponement.
“The last year was incredibly difficult for musicians and performers so we are really excited to be able to return to the stage and interact with audiences in a live capacity. Despite the recent challenges, I'm immensely proud of the industry’s resilience and determination, it truly has shone through during the pandemic.
“While a lot can be achieved via online platforms, nothing will ever compare to the experience of attending or performing in a live show. The energy and atmosphere simply cannot be replicated online or digitally.
“The whole team worked very hard to bring this project to life in a fully immersive way to capture the story of tea and its role in different cultures, as well as exploring the fascinating phenomenon of synaesthesia.
“Individuals who experience synaesthesia may see sounds or hear colours, providing a multi-sensory experience. The Sound of Tea will embody that harmonious relationship between the senses, shared with a general audience.”
Supriya will take centre stage for The Sound of Tea alongside Duncan Chapman on flugle horn, electronica and digital management, James Cave on piano, Marc Layton-Bennett on percussion and Fenfen Huang as dancer and tea celebrant.
Belgium-based flutist, Karin de Fleyt is unfortunately unable to join the team in person due to the continuing travel restrictions, but her music will still be incorporated into the performance.
Tickets are available now via the National Centre for Early Music: www.ncem.co.uk/events/sound-of-tea.