Leeds is set to host an innovative performance that blends the powerful storytelling of graphic novels with orchestral music and electronic soundscapes.
The groundbreaking event, scheduled to premiere at Testbed in Hunslet, will offer audiences a fresh and immersive take on Octavia Butler’s acclaimed graphic novel adaptation, ‘Parable of the Sower’. The performance, titled ‘Parable’, is a unique collaboration between Leeds-based DJ and Oram Award-winning turntablist NikNak and the Chineke! Orchestra, with additional creative contributions from celebrated cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. It has been developed as part of the ongoing Sound Out Leeds series, which aims to fuse diverse musical genres into compelling artistic experiences.
At the heart of ‘Parable’ lies an exploration of resilience, community strength, and societal transformation, key themes central to Butler’s visionary work. The performance creatively employs turntables as instrumental elements, skillfully integrating them with the live orchestral sounds to produce a deeply atmospheric and dystopian sonic landscape.
NikNak, recognized for her distinctive talent in turntablism — a musical technique involving scratching, beat juggling, and sound manipulation, will bring a dynamic and contemporary dimension to the classical music performance, redefining traditional boundaries and audience expectations www.niknakdjmusic.uk
Speaking about her inspiration for the performance, NikNak said:
“The themes of Parable of the Sower feel very relevant to our current times, and I wanted to channel those ideas into a musical and performance context. It’s a way to engage people with the book’s themes in a new medium.”
She added: “This commission blends turntablism and electronic music production elements with orchestral music in a way that feels fresh.
“What I’m doing with Chineke! Orchestra is creating a new piece from scratch, no pun intended, using turntables as an instrument alongside an orchestra. It’s something that doesn’t happen very often, and I’m very excited to bring this new, original work to life.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“The breadth and diversity of the musical talent in Leeds is truly extraordinary and it’s wonderful that some of these amazing artists are being given such a unique chance to showcase what they can do. Seeing an eclectic programme of performers taking to the stage in their home city is genuinely inspiring for both audiences and aspiring Leeds artists.”
‘Parable’ will be presented at Testbed on May 1 at 8pm. For tickets and additional details, please visit the Parable – Concert Season website www.leedsconcertseason.co.uk. Sound Out Leeds, a program dedicated to fostering unique live events and promoting accessibility in classical music, is produced by Leeds International Concert Season.
This one-of-a-kind event promises to captivate attendees, offering a fresh artistic perspective on a classic narrative while highlighting the vibrant cultural creativity thriving in Leeds.
