Waves + Lines is a multimedia song cycle for soprano, electronics and chamber ensemble by Gemma Peacocke, adapted from Eliza Griswold’s book, I Am the Beggar of the World: Landays from Contemporary Afghanistan.

The ultraconservative regime of the Taliban has meant that the lives of Afghan women are largely invisible to the outside world. Landays, poems comprising of a single rhyming couplet on subjects like love, grief, home and war, offer a surprising and vivid glimpse into this secret world. Peacocke’s evocative work explores the passion, desperation and often humour of these women who are trapped in a seemingly veiled existence.

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre as part of the 2018 Metropolis New Music Festival.