Original music from Sofia Chapman’s darkly comic La Mama plays, performed live by Sofia, Alana Hunt and Kirri Buchler from Vardos Trio on violin, accordion and double bass, and vocalist Penny Larkins as Viscountess Narcissa. 

Sofia Chapman is a Tasmanian born musician, writer, director, composer and filmmaker. Based in Melbourne, Sofia plays accordion with Vardos Trio and has co-produced 6 plays at La Mama with Burning Deck Theatre including The Top Secret Violin Case set in communist Romania. Untitled, or The Seat of Narcissa premiered in Midsumma Festival of Queer Arts and was invited back for La Mama’s 50th birthday festival. Original songs from these works and the award-winning The Four Accordionists of the Apocalypse will be performed by Sofia, accordion, Alana Hunt, violin, Kirri Büchler, double bass, and vocalist Penny Larkins as Viscountess Narcissa. 

“An extraordinary gleeful exploration of some dark political events that besieged Eastern European countries under communist regimes. This light-hearted approach does not belittle the issues but allows the audience to see how suspicion and paranoia pervaded all aspects of life in countries like Romania… a highly energetic and lively production that is full of unexpected and enchanting moments.”

Patricia Di Risio, Stage Whispers 2020, discussing The Top Secret Violin Case 

LOCATION: Courtyard

Performed by Alana Hunt (violin), Sofia Chapman (accordion), Kirri Büchler (double bass), and Penny Larkins (vocalist). 

Image by Darren Gill 

Visual Rating: 50%
This event is partly subtitled or includes dialogue, background music and/or sounds, so d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have some engagement with the event.

Aural Rating: 50%
Has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to be able to engage with the event.