~ A performance in a theatrical setting inspired by Joseph Cornell's dreams and our fascination with private lives ~
This new project is a collaboration with composer Joan La Barbara and pianist Kathleen Supové, Marija Plavsic and myself. "Storefront Diva" is inspired by a dream fragment from Joseph Cornell's Journals, in which he described seeing Debussy playing piano in a store, through the window. La Barbara has planned a unique event that explores our insatiable curiosity and our fascination with so-called 'private lives'.
Phase One will take place on December 27, 2011 from 4 – 8 pm at 159 Bleecker St. – a pop-up store location directly opposite Le Poisson Rouge, in the heart of Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Supové will perform a composition by La Barbara in a special set and costume designed by Marija Plavšic, accompanied by my video installation. The audience will be able to see and hear Supové playing through the store window, and the entire event will also be filmed. Creating a fusion of past and present, and of dream and waking states.
"Storefront Diva" is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, with addition funding from the New York University Adjunct Faculty Professional Development Fund and American Music Center/Composer Assistance Program. Generous support was also provided by Yamaha Artist Services and Materials for the Arts, DCA.
will premiere April 25th 2013 at The Flea Theatre, NYC, as a part of Kathleen Supové's "Digital Debussy".
“Diva” layers live musical gestures into the “sonic atmosphere”, blending bowed and plucked piano, electronics and vocal winds into an other-worldly environment. Set pieces and video juxtapose time and space, past and present – creating a dream sequence coexisting with life.
Music and Concept By Joan La Barbara
Pianist Kathleen Supové
Video Installation and Concept by Aleksandar Kostic
Scenic and Costume Design by Marija Plavsic Kostic Read a review