The Commission

01/01/1983

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0hr 45min

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STORY

This work is Woody's first entry into the narrative sphere, whereby the "story" is continually undermined with the aid of various anti-narrative strategies: In each of the eleven segments of this "electronic opera", different effects are used. Fascinated with the remarkable personality of infamous violinist Niccola Paganini and his complicated relationship to Hector Berlioz (played by artists Ernie Gusella and Robert Ashley, respectively), the author meditates over the intricacies of artistic geniality as connected not only with fame but also with the necessity of painful survival under the pressures of the art market.

CAST & CREW

    Cast

  • Robert Ashley
  • Ernest Gusella
  • Cosimo Corsano
  • Ben Harris
  • Andrea Harris

    Directors

  • Steina Vasulka
  • Peter Kirby
  • Woody Vasulka

INFORMATION

    Production Companies

  • New Mexico Arts Division
  • National Endowment for the Arts

    Production Countries

  • United States of America

LANGUAGES

  • English