In So Many Words – a Creative response to the Covid Pandemic

Commissioned by: City of Ballarat

Inspired by: The voices of the Ballarat community during the Covid 19 Pandemic

Performed and Choreographed by: Alison Shirley

Music by: Rae Howell with support from Brannoc Whetter.

Filmed and Edited by: Michelle Dunn

Assistant: Yael Zalchendler

City of Ballarat’s “Be Kind Be Creative” was deployed in the first lockdown to help support the vulnerable arts and culture sector as well as create a range of resources, and in the second lockdown the sector was engaged to help channel negative emotions into positive. As a result City of Ballarat commissioned a piece of music made using the voices and emotions of our community in lockdown. Titled In So Many Words, this innovative piece has been composed by internationally recognised Ballarat composer Rae Howell with support from emerging local composer Brannoc Whetter.

The sound files have been generated through the recording of voices of people who are sounding out their frustration against the impact of COVID, explaining the impact the pandemic has had upon their lives. The voices and commentary have been altered to protect identity and content. The composition is an uplifting statement of hope and humanity.

This video was then commissioned by City of Ballarat to provide a visual response to compliment the music.