A research and development week culminating in a sharing of ‘Ordo Virtutum’ at Snape Maltings

Ordo Virtutum has grown out of Nwando’s research into the neuroscience of perception with her long-time collaborator, the neuroscientist Dr Edward Bracey. As she explored how artists throughout history may have approached their own unique perceptual realities, the Benedictine abbess, composer, visual artist, writer and mystic Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) surfaced as a recurring figure: a woman who was not only visionary, but also, uniquely for the time, whose visions were recorded and preserved in musical scores, writings and illuminated manuscripts.

Nwando is interested in investigating the connections between atypical perception and creativity – could a possible neurodiversity lead to seeing the world differently, and to enhanced creativity? In line with Hildegard’s religious and mystical practices, this work offers ritual experiences which connect to the ecstasies of religious visions through my own lens as an Afro-fabulating Neurodivergent artist.

Cast:
@cevannemusic
@lorelixenberg
@lula.xyz
@chisatominamimura
Jennifer Muteteli

Director, Composer, Librettist: @nwando_ebizie
Assistant Director: Jairus Obayomi
Guided Visualiser: Jennifer Muteteli
Audience Experience Dramaturg: @stephanie_singer_
Stage Manager and Video Editor: Laura Haynes
Technician: @mini_oramics
BSL Interpreters: Kate Collier, Rose Lennon
Videography: Patrick Young
Producer: Emily Moore

Ordo Virtutum is a work in progress, part of a larger immersive performance and installation piece entitled Hildegard: Visions. Hildegard: Visions is commissioned by @mahoganyopera with additional support from @aceagrams. Early-stage development of Hildegard: Visions has been supported by Mahogany Opera, @eaststreetarts , @artsadm /Season for Change, @tmsomewhere @batterseaartscentre @kingsplacelondon @operanorth @brittenpearsarts @bittersuiteuk and @richmixlondon and by grants from the Marchus Trust and RVW Trust.

Thanks to Britten-Pears Arts for supporting this week of research and development time.