thE eNigMA of SALvAdoR DALi’S eGg
Outline

learn more at www.dalisegg.com

 

Story
The Theory of Contamination: It says people tend to believe that the objects someone uses carry traces of that person’s personality. So which you be more likely to wear to a party: Elvis’ Presly’s pants, or a jacket worn by the Boston Strangler?

A zealous believer in Contamination Theory, Sweaty Palms collects objects owned or created by various celebrities throughout history. He stockpiles the objects in his room unbeknownst to his far more pragmatic Sister, with whom he shares the rent. All of this passes benignly until, with the help of his mephistopholean friend Risky Business, Sweaty Palms procures the enigmatic "Egg" of Salvador Dali, or “Dali’s Egg.” With the presence of the mysterious object, things take a wild turn to the surreal. A series of bizarre episodes involving (and inspired by) various objects from Sweaty Palms’ collection ensues leaving all three characters befuddled and frustrated. Sweaty Palms is eventually caught in the act of thieving and arrested. Risky Business goes to Sister to tell her what’s happened, but Wearing James Dean’s leather jacket, he inadvertently seduces her. Waking from another surreal episode, Sister destroys the collection of infamous objects, unfortunately just as police arrive to collect evidence of Sweaty Palm’s crimes. Confronting the sur-reality of the situation, Sister is forced to give in to the powers of Contamination Theory and uses the tough guile gifted her by James Dean’s jacket to charm her way out of the clutches of the authorities. top

 

Staging
Performance mixes live-interactive video and audio electronics (in 4-channel surround sound) with live spoken voice parts. Scenic configurations, score and staging all move toward the concept of ‘living installation’ wherein traditionally static forms become dynamic.

Video projection, manipulated in real-time by the performance ensemble, is itself the staging. Video and live-action are processed and manipulated and projected on scrims or screens above, around and behind performers. Prerecorded sound and music are mixed and manipulated live by the performers as well.
Orchestration consists of the following: Voice (+ pre-recorded voices on DVD in the various combinations), Electronics  and interactive video, Piano, Violin, Trumpet. top


 

Performance Information
Dali's Egg is currenlty in production. For questions regarding performance or installation by the original cast, please contact the Musical Arts/Sound Laboratory by emailing info@mas-lab.org. top