Firstly let us say that we have always been a massive fans of Steven Berkoff’s writing, directing and unique methods of stage and film acting.
Firstly let us say that we have always been a massive fans of Steven Berkoff’s writing, directing and unique methods of stage and film acting. One of our favourite films is his version of the Oscar Wilde play ‘Salome’. Beautifully filmed live at the Ginza Saison Theatre in Tokyo in Japan it is an experience never to be forgotten."
'The Heart Athletes' is a Chester based collaboration between Phillip Allan and David Watson formed in 2017 to write and play original songs about this theatre of cruelty we call life. The name is taken from the writings of the French actor, director, writer and poet Antonin Artaud. (From An Affective Athleticism, 1935). During 2019 we have concentrated on video work collaborating with the legendary director Steven Berkoff producing and releasing YouTube trailers for his films 'Salome' in June 2019 and ‘Oedipus’ in September 2019.
It all started with a guitar riff written by David Watson which immediately inspired me to write lyrics based on the story of SALOME...
It all started with a guitar riff written by David Watson which immediately inspired me to write lyrics based on the story of Salome. For both soundtracks David arranged, recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered the music. We researched all the different versions of Salome and came full circle to realising that, for me the definitive version was Berkoff’s. The dark and brooding texture of the song seemed to effortlessly blend with the brutally beautiful acting and the idea for a film trailer was developed. Having produced the Salome trailer we sent it to East Productions to see if they would like to use it to promote the sales of their film. Steven wrote back personally saying how much he loved the trailer and giving his permission for us to release it on YouTube. He also asked if we would be interested in producing a trailer for his film ‘Oedipus’.
After much careful deliberation and with challenge of writing a song about the story of Oedipus, the soundtrack ‘The Hand Of Fate’ was composed and produced. Berkoff’s vibrant direction of the film and Simon Merrells depiction of Oedipus offered a wealth of excellent scenes to use in the trailer. A decision was taken not to use the two most powerful scenes. You’ll have to watch the film to see these. Steven loved the power and intensity of the trailer. So much so that we are currently working on another trailer for him. Watch this space…
Phillip Allan - The Heart Athletes - www.phillipallan.com
