Magic blend of music and words

Guitarist Karin Schaupp combines acting with virtuoso musical performance in Lotte’s Gift, a play about her family written especially for her by renowned playwright David Williamson.

“It’s fantastic to work with him. I’m eternally grateful to David for writing this and for recognising the strength of the story and having the courage to create something in a totally unique form,” Schaupp said.

“It’s not a typical play or a typical concert – it’s a unique blend of music and words.”

Schaupp met David Williamson and wife Kristen at the Noosa long weekend 10-day festival. She mentioned she’d been taking acting classes, and the rest as they say is history.

“I didn’t expect to have a play written about my family but David became very excited about my grandmother Lieslotte Reinke,” she said.

“For our family to have the story told – it’s all true – reminded us of what a beautiful story it was. It makes you realise the connections and draws a beautiful line through the music and the women in our family. It’s a real gift.”

Lotte’s Gift premiered in 2006, was revised last year and then performed at the Edingburgh Fringe Festival.

This one-woman show is Schaupp’s first professional acting gig. Schaupp plays herself, her grandmother – and the guitar.

“It began a real evolution for me as a performer and storyteller. It’s great to try and combine the two. Classical guitar is abstract but improvised theatre is so direct. I’ve always been an emotional and passionate player but I think the acting gave me that extra openness,” she said.

“And there are things you can’t say with words. On many levels it’s unusual and very challenging. It’s been an amazing journey. I keep finding new nuances in the story.”
Schaupp wants to further explore acting but theatre offers she has received clashed with her concert dates.

“I’m mostly a guitarist but at some stage I would like to do some acting with other people.”

Lotte’s Gift is at City Recital Hall, Angel Place, one night only on Friday, November 12 at 7.30pm. Book: 8256 2222, www.cityrecitalhall.com