Not Cooking, for actor/percussionist, includes one score.
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Review from Percussive Notes:
“Not Cooking” is an avant-garde performative percussion solo that is meant to “create a musically and visually convincing composition through the act of preparing raw vegetables.” The score does not contain any traditional notation, just a sheet of instructions. Like similar performance pieces, the complexity and quality of the music are entirely determined by the work of the performer.
Using raw vegetables and kitchen utensils—with amplification—the performer creates a piece that is equal parts acting and sound-creation.
The notes and rhythms come from the chopping, chewing, and peeling of the vegetables. The performance is meant to come across as entirely improvised, as if the performer is in his or her own kitchen. Equal attention is given to the sound and the movement.
While the concept of the piece could be solidified with the inclusion of some more substantial musical guidelines, a dedicated performer could certainly create an impressive and virtuosic piece out of “Not Cooking.” Consideration should be made towards the creation of a significant amount of food waste as the piece is rehearsed, though if intent is made to consume the food after each practice session the spirit of the piece would be that much more amplified.
Though “Not Cooking” could run the hazard of becoming a throw-away inclusion to an un-mindful recital, it would be a fun project for a conscientious performer who wants to truly delve into the sound possibilities of unexpected objects and create a performance that is truly audience engaging.
—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Demo:
