In BIMHUIS Productions‘ REFLEX series we invite makers to reflect on the world and contemporary society. River Adomeit is an American bassist and songwriter based in Amsterdam. Rooted in the traditions of Americana, jazz and bluegrass, his work melds these influences with contemporary improvisation and theater. River’s work written for REFLEX represents an important step in his development. As the leader of a new seven-piece ensemble he fuses storytelling and dance with vocals, instruments, electronics and improvisation.

Of Silver and Salt is a reflection on the contradictions of being transgender. On one hand there is the divine – gender transition is a living metaphor for the ongoing potential of transformation and self-actualization. On the flip side of the divine is the profane – the day-to-day reality of life as a trans person. Political persecution, fetishization. Navigating medical systems, unending bureaucracy, changing relationships. Of Silver and Salt embraces this paradox between the divine and the mundane, rather than seeking to impose one comprehensible narrative.

REFLEX is a series of BIMHUIS Productions and is made possible with help of Ammodo Art & Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst and VandenEnde Foundation.

Arnout Lems vocals, Beatrice Sberna vocals, Vera Morais vocal, Julyen Hamilton spoken word/dance, M Alberto saxophone/electronics, Josh Harlow piano/keys, River Adomeit double bass