The Reality of Dreams - Based on the diary of Alice James - Trailer

“The Reality of Dreams” is a scenic-installative song recital based on Alice James' diary, in which she dealt with her own death. James lived in the 19th century. While her older brothers enjoyed international success - Henry as an author, William as a philosopher and psychologist - she was constantly confronted with the limited opportunities for girls and women of her time. In contrast to the broad education of her brothers, she was denied access to an education, in line with her father's conviction that education could only harm a woman's natural dignity and destiny.
From the looming socially marginalized existence in enforced uselessness, she developed a longing for death. Unable to bring herself to suicide, she eked out an existence in a kind of revenant existence, always in preparation for death.
Video trailer based on the world premiere of the project on October 26, 2024 at “musica aperta” in Winterthur.
Giulia Guarneri-Giovanelli (vocals, direction)
Stefan Kägi (piano, concept, sound design)
Dong Zhou (composition)
Dahae Boo (composition)
Emre Şener (composition)
Julia Schwartz (composition)
Emmanuel Michaud (lighting, film production)