"The visible reminder of the Invisible Light..."

The Rock is a groundbreaking project helmed by theatre director Jared McNeill, inspired by T.S. Eliot's seminal work, "Choruses from 'The Rock'".  This ambitious endeavor seamlessly melds the immersive power of ritualistic theatre with an innovative fusion of original instrumental and electronic music composed by Claudio Scarabottini and Jared McNeill.  

At its core, The Rock transports audiences into a captivating realm where ancient rituals and modern technology converge. Drawing from Eliot's rich tapestry of themes exploring faith, society, and existential ponderings, McNeill orchestrates an experiential journey that blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal. Immersive theatre techniques are utilized to envelop spectators in the very essence of the performance space, transforming them into active participants rather than passive observers. Through carefully curated environments, audiences find themselves transported to otherworldly realms where the boundaries of reality are fluid and permeable. 

Central to the experience is the integration of electronic music and new technologies, which serve as a dynamic backdrop to the unfolding narrative. Utilizing mind-provoking soundscapes and visual projections, McNeill crafts an audiovisual landscape that pulsates with energy and intensity, enhancing the emotional resonance of Eliot's poetic verses. 

The fusion of traditional theatrical elements with contemporary technology creates a multi-sensory experience that resonates on a deeply visceral level. Audiences are not merely spectators but active collaborators in the creation of meaning, as they navigate the intricate interplay between sound, sight, and symbolism. In The Rock, Jared McNeill invites audiences to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and introspection. Through a synthesis of ancient ritual, immersive theatre, and innovative technology, he crafts a mesmerizing exploration of the human condition that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. 

The Rock was born from a 2018 theatrical research led by Jared McNeill and Giovanni Greco hosted by L'Accademia nazionale d'arte drammatica "Silvio D'Amico" entitled Sulla Luce Invisibile which engaged an international group of theatre practitioners from Italy, Germany, and Korea. The research was revived in 2022 as part of the Umbria Factor Festival, produced by ZUT e La Mama Umbria International as part of the Centro Umbria Artistic Residency.