The protagonists of this performance – shadow puppets and a trio of amplified flute, cello & piano – tell the story of a planet travelling through time.

The ancient Mayans divided time into cycles of thirteen B’ak’tun; every cycle marked renewal. Cycles move forward from the beginning of time, through the Earth’s expansive geological eras, the glacial pace of evolving living organisms and on to the appearance of humankind.The ensuing eras of human progress quicken increasingly, tumbling towards our modern Age of Information.

This is a story of hope and renewal, of humanity’s common history and a reflection on the minute portion the human race occupies in the grand scheme of the universe.

Presented by the Marsyas Trio, Size Zero Opera and Smoking Apples, a striking visual world of shadow and light unfolds to the music of Mario Lavista (Mexico), George Crumb (USA) and Laura Bowler (UK).

This project is supported by Arts Council England and the Britten-Pears Foundation.