I've been thinking about a couple of different approaches to this project. Both of my approaches deal with communication between Cuba and the U.S. I'd like to explore simple ways in which two groups,
who have a history of tension, may begin to work together and create a dialog. I'd like to do this in a way that hasn't been tried before, in a way that leaves no option for argument to arise, almost like a totally new language. The project would put the two groups in a space in which they have to work together in a fun and creative way.
My first idea is in relation to music. I have played the violin all my life, and have traveled to countries where I did not speak the language, and so was only able to communicate through music. As the saying goes "music is the universal language," but it really is true! I would like to look at communication through music, at working through tensions through music. I thought maybe I could do this, by creating a narrative playlist of music from both Cuba and the U.S. The songs could be from moments when the two countries have had tension, with a Cuban song next to a song from the U.S., so that the songs are in dialog with one another, leaving the audience out. To take this a step further, the music could be played by myself, and musicians from CalArts, and when we arrive in Cuba, we could work with Cuban musicians to create a music show and dialog. The music between the two countries would be what speaks the loudest, and would be a way to communicate through working together. The songs would work through tensions, and into present day, so we could see where we are today musically, and historically.
My second idea is quite different, and has to do with fairy tales. To young children, fairy tales are full of wonder and innocence. They leave children dreaming, hopeful, imaginative and ready for adventure. I was wondering if there might be a way to use fairy tales to help bring Cuba and the U.S. together. I had an idea of making sort of an installation, like a "choose your own adventure" narrative. There would be stacks of cards throughout a space, and with each pile an object of sorts, and people had to partner with someone they didn't know, and go on an adventure with them. The cards would lead them on a fairy tale adventure, and give them tasks that they would have to do together, to trust one another. An example might be that by one card pile there is a blindfold, and one partner has to put it on the other partner's eyes, and lead them through a dark and scary forest, with ogres chasing them, meaning they would have to get across the room in 10 seconds. Then, after the task is completed, they will have two options at the bottom of the card, and will have to decide which destination to head to next. They will make their way around all the card stations, choosing their own adventure, and learning to work together to survive the fairy tale. The fairy tale will be based on Cuban and U.S. folklore, working with similarities and differences, so that tensions can be worked through in the most subtle of ways. The most important part of the piece will be the simplicity of working together.
who have a history of tension, may begin to work together and create a dialog. I'd like to do this in a way that hasn't been tried before, in a way that leaves no option for argument to arise, almost like a totally new language. The project would put the two groups in a space in which they have to work together in a fun and creative way.
My first idea is in relation to music. I have played the violin all my life, and have traveled to countries where I did not speak the language, and so was only able to communicate through music. As the saying goes "music is the universal language," but it really is true! I would like to look at communication through music, at working through tensions through music. I thought maybe I could do this, by creating a narrative playlist of music from both Cuba and the U.S. The songs could be from moments when the two countries have had tension, with a Cuban song next to a song from the U.S., so that the songs are in dialog with one another, leaving the audience out. To take this a step further, the music could be played by myself, and musicians from CalArts, and when we arrive in Cuba, we could work with Cuban musicians to create a music show and dialog. The music between the two countries would be what speaks the loudest, and would be a way to communicate through working together. The songs would work through tensions, and into present day, so we could see where we are today musically, and historically.
My second idea is quite different, and has to do with fairy tales. To young children, fairy tales are full of wonder and innocence. They leave children dreaming, hopeful, imaginative and ready for adventure. I was wondering if there might be a way to use fairy tales to help bring Cuba and the U.S. together. I had an idea of making sort of an installation, like a "choose your own adventure" narrative. There would be stacks of cards throughout a space, and with each pile an object of sorts, and people had to partner with someone they didn't know, and go on an adventure with them. The cards would lead them on a fairy tale adventure, and give them tasks that they would have to do together, to trust one another. An example might be that by one card pile there is a blindfold, and one partner has to put it on the other partner's eyes, and lead them through a dark and scary forest, with ogres chasing them, meaning they would have to get across the room in 10 seconds. Then, after the task is completed, they will have two options at the bottom of the card, and will have to decide which destination to head to next. They will make their way around all the card stations, choosing their own adventure, and learning to work together to survive the fairy tale. The fairy tale will be based on Cuban and U.S. folklore, working with similarities and differences, so that tensions can be worked through in the most subtle of ways. The most important part of the piece will be the simplicity of working together.
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