Performance:
The Ruse of Medusa + A Recital of Piano Works from Erik Satie by Sebastian Collett
North Carolina Stage Company
Part of the NCSC’s Lasting Effects series
August 24 – September 3, 2005
Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm
To see the show:
Tickets are $15
Pay-What-You-Can Night is Wednesday, August 24 ($5 minimum, cash only, exact change only)
Call (828) 350-9090 or buy tickets online at TicketWeb
In the summer of 1948 some of the 20th Century’s most brilliant artists were living and studying at Black Mountain College, including Buckminster Fuller, Arthur Penn, Merce Cunningham, John Cage, and Willem de Kooning. This extraordinary group decided to produce the surrealist play The Ruse of Medusa by French composer Erik Satie, bringing together the disciplines of dance, theatre, music and visual arts for one night. M.C. Richards translated the play from the original French, making the Black Mountain College production the first time it was performed in English. The Ruse of Medusa is considered one of the first examples of surrealist drama, and an important precursor to the Dadaist movement.
Lasting Effects celebrates this exceptional event with a 21st century staging of the play, incorporating live music, multimedia design, and original choreography. The production at NC Stage allows Asheville’s current generation of artists to experiment with styles and art forms.
Director Charlie Flynn-McIver is a professional actor who has appeared in numerous New York and regional theatre productions, as well as local hits The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and Hamlet. Choreographer Anne Dunn of Asheville Ballet is creating new dance pieces for the “Dances of the Monkey,” while David McConville and John DeKam of The Elumenati will create immersive projections to transform the theatre space with audio-reactive video lighting.
In addition to theatre and dance, Lasting Effects includes a piano recital of Erik Satie compositions by local pianist Sebastian Collett. Selections will include “Dried Embryos” and “Three Lofty Waltzes.” There will also be a photography exhibit in NC Stage’s lobby featuring photos from the original Black Mountain College production on loan from the photographer. Music for Ruse of the Medusa will be performed on traditional piano, prepared piano and computer laptop. The “prepared piano” technique, developed by John Cage, uses an open piano with objects inserted between the strings for a unique effect.
The 1948 production featured music composed by Satie (and performed by John Cage), choreography by Merce Cunningham, direction by Arthur Penn, and set design by William de Kooning. Buckminster Fuller, who was at the college perfecting his geodesic dome, was recruited to play the part of the Medusa.
The Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center is located at 56 Broadway in downtown Asheville. Hours are 12-4 pm Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
