The Two Executioners

score by David Chesworth
libretto by Douglas Horton after the one act play by Fernando Arrabal
Instrumentation - 2 sops., mez., 2 saxes., perc., kbds.
Placed somewhere between the aesthetics of Absurdism and 'film noir', this adaptation of The Two Executioners is a stylised comedy of dysfunctional family life, resonating with wider political overtones. A woman denounces her husband, who is subsequently tortured in an adjacent room. Meanwhile, the woman and her two daughters discuss the rights and wrongs of a man whose crime is never explained. David Chesworth employs a broad range of vocal and musical effects in what he has dubbed 'the music of exclamation'.
"Easily the most impressive and memorable piece of music theatre in 1994..."  The Independent Monthly
World Premiere Napier St Theatre, Sth Melbourne, August 1994. Directed by Douglas Horton, designed by Tomek Koman (set), Louise McCarthy (costume) and Margie Medlin (lighting).