THE OFT-MISUSED word “literally” can be used correctly when singer-composer Ulli Mattsson launches her debut album.
She will perform Feral on on her century-old Dutch sailing barge moored at Hackney Wick.
It’s an intriguing idea, as is getting a prize-winning screenwriter to come up with a script for the promotional video. Rebecca Lenkiewicz wrote Ida, which Hollywood illuminati in 2105 voted best foreign language film. It also won a Bafta.
Areola Theatre-goers will remember her for The Painter, which impressed this writer if not all reviewers.
Swedish-born Mattson took two years to record Feral and the single from it, Mother, with its references to the traditional Scandinavian music of her past, was used in BBC Radio 3’s Nordic Voices season.
Her publicist (her partner) says that London’s waterways now host as thriving community of musicians and artists. He adds: “Supporting Mattsson’s set will be music, storytelling, circus and dance by other performers living on the river, and cocktails made from ingredients foraged along the rivers’ banks.”
The shows would be the start of regular nights on River Lea and canals, as part of the Feral tour.
A canal tour beyond London is being mooted for next year 2017.
The 30 tickets (£10 each) for this week’s shows, on Wed 16 Mar 2016-Fri 18 Mar 2016, have sold out, but the musician’s website will have details.
David Altheer 140316
* Ulli Mattsson’s barge is on the north bank of the Hertford Union Canal where it joins the River Lea just south of White Post Lane bridge E9 5EN. Wheelchair access is difficult.
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