A GAME OF DEATH AND CHANCE
2019
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND | SONSIE
An immersive site-specific theatre production presented in Edinburgh’s Gladstone's Land
DIRECTORS
Ben Harrison | Allie Butler-Smith
SOUNDTRACK INFO
A Game Of Death And Chance explores Scotland's horrendous political and social history from the Union Of The Crowns in 1603 to the Act Of Union in 1707.
As well as composer and sound designer, I was cast as an actor/singer in the role of Deith — a soothsaying Prophet Of Doom and the macabre figure of a 17th century Plague Doctor.
The soundtrack features original songs with lyrics by Ben Harrison — Agnes Finnie, Miasma, Quartered and the production's anthem The Door Of The Seas. Other songs include my interpretation of Tim Buckley's Song To The Siren and my setting of the Shakespeare song Come Away, Come Away Death. I am currently revising the soundtrack for future release.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
A Game Of Death And Chance was presented at the National Trust For Scotland’s iconic building, Gladstone’s Land on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The production ran from June - September 2019.
RELATED WORKS
Soundtracks for other National Trust For Scotland productions include:
Enlightenment House (2018)
Soundtrack coming soon …
“Adding to the disturbing and dark atmosphere are the hypnotic songs performed by David Paul Jones that break up the dense storytelling and get stuck in your head with their haunting lyrics and powerful delivery.”
MY THEATRE MATES
“interrupted by Deith (David Paul Jones) in plague mask and gown whose eerie presence belies a beautiful tenor voice that repeats a haunting Latin phrase of mourning for the dead."
BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE
“The award-winning composer and vocalist David Paul Jones is haunting as Deith, wandering eerily through the room in a long hooded cloak before performing an evocative song.”
THE SKINNY
Photography © Mihaela Bodlovic
CREDITS
Written by Ben Harrison
Directed by Ben Harrison & Allie Butler-Smith
Composer & Sound Designer: David Paul Jones
Lighting Designer: Simon Wilkinson
Set & Costume Designer: Karen Tennent
Cast: Mary Gapinski | Mark Kydd | David Paul Jones | Kevin Lennon | Wendy Seager
Images © Mihaela Bodlovic