This Saturday I attended a string quartet performance by the group Ethel at the BAM Theater in Brooklyn. The group had come up with a project called Ethel’s Documerica which was a brilliant presentation of musical pieces combined with the visual aspect of thousands of photographs projected on three screens behind the musicians. The screens changed simultaneously with the music and continued for approximately 80 minutes.
I had never seen something as intense as these artists performing – they were so enveloped in their music and zealous about their show that you could see the hair on the bows of their instruments tearing and flailing around as they continued to play, hitting every note with fiery passion. Aside from the music, the pictures on the screens allowed the audience to travel across the country and throughout the years of American history. There was a variety of topics covered by the photos – from political movement, social protests, and environmental issues, to nature shots of our vast country. It was quite the treat! Adding to that, the theater itself could tickle any art appreciating fanatic’s fancy; the walls were crumbling, bricks were missing, paint was peeling – it basically looked as though you were in an ancient theater. Still, the seats were brand new, modern, and incredibly comfortable and the stage area as well as the equipment seemed to be extremely high tech. I found the contrast astounding.
For anyone who has not signed up for Student Rush, I highly recommend it. I was able to get tickets for the show on Saturday for free, only having to pay a small $5 handling fee. Thank you for informing me about the website and its amazing deals Professor!
