Written, directed and choreographed by Lee Blalock. Performed by Mocrep.
Info about the piece: A meditation, a diagnostic exam, a soundscape: Lee Blalock's new work for Mocrep examines the systems of the human body and mind. Inspired by vintage stereo test records which were used to assess audio fidelity, Stereo Test Program No. 3: Transmutation Assessment superimposes variations of the original tests onto the human body to assess its systems while creating an original sound piece. Highly physical, the piece challenges 6 performers to a series of tests, interfacing them with both their spiritual and technological selves. The performers achieve balance through physical strain and emotional vulnerability. The live piece debuted in Chicago on Oct. 13th in the gym at Unity Lutheran Church on Balmoral in Edgewater. The graphic score can be found here.
The live work is paired with a web project inspired by the programs notes and instructions that came with the original records and can be found here.
Images: [All images by Michael E. Smith]
Radio version /Soundcloud.
Row1: TEST 1: INFORMATION CONVERSION TEST. Voice and mouth mics.
Row2: TEST 2: APPENDAGE ARTICULATION AND FORMATTING TEST. Amplified chalkboards and text.
Row3: TEST 3: IDENTITY OSCILLATION AND OFFSET TEST. Midiface.
Row4: TEST 4: FULL SYSTEM TRANSMUTATION. Computer Vision flags.
