She Represents

Inspired by 1920s-30s art of the ‘New Objectivity’ movement in Germany, She Represents (the title of a 1928 watercolour by Jeanne Mammen) is a costumed lieder recital exploring female expression and definition of self. Compositions by Rita Strohl, Kurt Weill, Cathy Berberian and others are augmented by costumes based on artworks by Mammen and Otto Dix, including a dress created by renowned German-Chilean stage and costume designer Rebekka Dornhege Reyes (Staatsoper Berlin).

The recital centres on the 'New Woman' - a feminist ideal and icon of changing gender norms that arose late in the 19th century and had far-reaching influence well into the 20th. Mammen and Dix were both fascinated, immortalising her in their portraits of real-life Berliner performers, barflies and thinkers.

She Represents was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row with Kirsty Wark.

Listen to Rowan and pianist Jonathan Ware in interview with Kirsty, performing works from the programme here.

She Represents was premiered at the Oxford International Song Festival 2023, opened Glasgow Cathedral Festival 2024, and will be performed at Wigmore Hall on International Women’s Day 2027.