Cut
up or shut up
a surreal musical performance event
feature length instrumental theatre for accordion,
electric bass, and 4 voice female choir
by Jeffrey Kowalkowski
[2000]
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"Cut up or Shut Up" was written in June of 2000 in response to a request from Interzone perceptible for a piece involving "Naked Lunch" by W.S. Burroughs. Using various collage techniques similar to those used by Burroughs in his text, and splices of conversations recorded with people about their own experience of Naked Lunch, I offer this evening's length surreal musical performance event. In addtion to traditionally notated segments and improvisational schemes, the piece includes sections with instructions for sound installations, specific choreography for the instrumentalists and choir, and monochromatic light arrangements. The score is intended to serve as a starting point for a collective group composition, leaving many creative decisions to the performers.
commissioned by Interzone perceptible
[80 minutes]
first performed Kunstwerkstatt Bochum, Germany, 23/25 February 2001
In summer 2001 Interzone perceptible created a 54 minute autonomous video version of "Cut up or shut up" (available on request)