One man, one violin, and some serious multi-tasking

One man, one violin, and some serious multi-tasking

Chris Prosser the ‘singing-violinist’ takes his solo show 'Drink Violin’ to BATS Theatre for the Fringe Festival. Expect quirky original songs about philosophy (discussion between a dog, a goat and a shepherd on a South Island hill station); buying a bun in a shop; a laughing sea-shanty; and whimsical songs with nonsense made-up language influenced by ‘The Singing Neanderthals’ (a book by Steven Mithen).

Aside from Iva Bittova the Czech Gypsy, Chris is probably the only performer of this kind in the world: singing original songs whilst playing violin at the same time. ‘Drink Violin’ is developed from the 2016 Fringe show ‘Solo Chris’ which started him on this path.

Chris was originally a composer and violinist. He lived and worked as a musician in London. Since returning to Wellington in 2009 he has immersed himself in theatre, dance and voice. Now his performing is multi-dimensional. It integrates singing, movement and chat. ‘Drink Violin’ is presented as stand-up with spoken commentary on the music. The songs are also vehicles for improvisation. “Mr Prosser shows an astonishing talent for feverish improvisation” writes Edwin Carr in the Taupo Times.

The show runs at The Studio, BATS Theatre, 22-24 February 9.30pm for 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at bats.co.nz

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