Ziusudra - Flood of Mindsets
Comment & Communication Archive
( I will add comments to this page as I receive them. Participants
and Audience are invited to join in. Comments first here, starting with
most recently received. Memo archive is at bottom of page. )
(((((((
Jasmine - Audience
Subject: RE: z
Date: Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:19:22 +0000
From: "Jasmine Mulliken" <jmulliken@hotmail.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
From Jasmine's blog (see address below)
The source of much of my frustration and ironic observation is also the
source of all of my happiness and wonder. I may be putting any possible
reputation I may have as a cynic on the line, but I think it’s about
time I
gave some love to my fellow human beings. I mean, if this is all about
karma, it makes sense to invest a little happiness and gratitude, after all.
I love people. As a collective, as individuals, as symbols, as works of art,
as products of other people, as cogs in the fucking machine—I love people.
I
recently attended an art experience (not really an exhibition or performance
or anything conventional—but of course what art is?) that focused
specifically on the interaction of people. That may only be my experience,
but even that fact reinforces my interpretation. There were all kinds of
art: painting, sculpture, dance, poetry, sculpted clothing (ceramic corsets,
in fact), music, film, theater. The event covered time (about three hours
with a beginning and an end as well as art in its creation process and
finished form) and space (every foot of the studio was displaying some
artistic genre, including prep areas for performers). Some called it sensory
overload.
But my favorite art object was the audience. A group of about fifty people
hesitantly approached a purply lit building, completely clueless about the
next three hours of their lives. They emerged into a world genuinely new.
And this emergence proved to be the perfect representation of creation,
life, and art.
As part of this audience, I stood in intrigue and admitted discomfort at my
own ignorance as “tri-mimes” enacted what I later understood to
be
representations of three brain sets—reptilian, mammalian, and neo-cortex
(the human brain now, with its curiosity and analytical observance). These
first ten minutes were an opening into the variations and chaos of true
human understanding and interaction.
If this seems vague, I’m doing a good job of describing the scene. The
point
in all of this is that throughout the night, fifty onlookers were bombarded
with absolute displacement until they adapted to the environment. First was
confusion, then observation, then, slowly, interaction. It was the perfect
people-watching crowd. Watching people watch people, who through their own
individual processes became a part of the environment, was the ultimate in
self-reflexive voyeurism. It showed the interest, the need we all have to
connect, whether it’s reverence, sympathy, disdain, whatever. We live
by our
interactions.
Tonight I was at an after party for a film festival which brought dozens of
out-of-staters and staters alike onto a terrace balcony for none other than
human interaction. They had been watching films all day or working in
conjunction with showing films all day, and they were gathering together for
live action, on-on-one action. Some seemed lonely, like they were making up
for months in front of an editing screen. Some were chatty, comfortable in
the crowd, eager to be heard and seen. Others were gathered in small groups,
comfortable with their own, avoiding too much drama, relaxing after a long
three days. I caught some, like me, watching all the rest, wondering who
these people <i>really</i> were when they were by themselves,
wondering if
this person really had affair with this other person, if this person knew
that other people knew.
Everyone was living a life. Everyone had a story. It’s sad that we can’t
know all the stories. It’s sad that we can never know a whole story.
But all
we have are bits and pieces, even when it comes to our own lives. All we
have are perspectives. It’s a beautiful mystery. And even though there
is
sadness in what we can’t know, there is an overwhelming appreciation
lining
it, a reverence and a sympathy for the isolation and communion of individuals.
Thank you for being part of my perspective, and thank you for enveloping me
into yours.
from Jasmine's blog at
http://www.karmicironies.blogspot.com
)))))))
from KC Burns 
Tri-Brain - PaleoBrain
Subject: Z
Date: Sat, 07 May 2005 18:13:58 -0500
From: "Kathryn Burns" <kcbglitter@hotmail.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
master Z
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the z event. it was
even more magical than i could have imagined. it seems you have started
something that is going to open many minds. chuck and i would like to help
in any way we can throughout the development of ziusudra. thank you again.
kc burns
(((((((
Lynna Schneider, PseudoDance 
Most High Priestess
Subject: have you recovered
Date: Sat, 7 May 2005 22:44:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: lynna schneider <dancemonkeez2@yahoo.com>
To: skip largent <skipsilver@gbronline.com>skip,
we had such a great time friday!!! thank you for bringing the company into
the
fold. all of the participating artists are very talented! i hope pseudodance
can be
a part of "Z" in the future.
i will give the dancers your compliments. i think the next event will be even
more amazing now that we have all experienced a portion of what Ziusudra is
all
about. i now understand how the artists are connected and how each individual
might respond to another.
talk to you soon,
lynna
)))))))
Marissa Lane 
High Enforcer
Subject: Re: Z - 7
Date: Sun, 8 May 2005 12:03:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: marissa lane <marissalane@yahoo.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
i have never imagined doing performance art work. but over the past few
years, as i have really allowed myself to fully feel all ranges of emotions,
some
of these things come more natural. thanks for letting me help in this way.
as for the event, i agree and see how this should mimic life. it is not about
an
"event" but the whole of it, the steps we take on our path of arrival
is as
important as the arrival. there is really no arrival and no destination.
as for Z, truly the loving support and your ability to allow the flow to unfold
was just so incredible. i think for all the performance artists there was
just a
wide range of acceptance, lovingness and creative flow. i thought we all jelled
well together. i know that natawn was upset with me for interrupting his
poem, and i was sorry that he was upset by that.
i saw the audience even reach out a bit. there were a couple of poeple who
i
could tell were a bit reticent to speak their lines, but i also saw them come
alive
a bit by the participation in it. that was really fun to see that.
one person in the audience came up to me several times and patted me and
just told me it was all going to be all right, to calm down. i think he was
playing
into the event a bit, but i also sensed a true depth of caring and a bit of
concern for me. that was touching.
i loved how clarissa gave of her time so effortlessly and put her spirit into
creating faces for us all. steven stark was amazing and asia's voice and
timing were impeccable. it seemed those open to synchronicty and flow really
blossomed. and lorri keller is just a quiet forceful energy behind it all.
she is
the energy behind the wind. the wind is elusive enough, but she is even one
step removed, the invisible force pushing the wind.
i love how you envisioned the physical outlay and then allowed it to develop
with the loving input of others, the whole event really, from the tri mimes,
to
the camera crew, to the dancers, common people, artists, singers,
painters..............
did anybody mention yet just how all flowed so well??? a flood to be sure.
those are some of my thoughts. also, al and debbie riddle, what amazing and
loving souls they are. being touched by them, nicole and jason has been elevating.
love to you skip. hope your day is flowing well.
marissa
(((((((
Clarissa Sharp 
Face Painter
Subject: Re: so beautiful
Date: Sun, 8 May 2005 21:31:17 -0500
From: "Clarissa Sharp" <cs_116@msn.com>
To: <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Thank you, Skip. I took a few photos while I was there; when I get them
in
the computer, I'll send them to you, to add to your archive.
It was an enjoyable, transformative experience to come paint the performers.
At first, of course, I didn't know what to expect, having only vague ideas
in
my head. After doing a few paintings though, the possibilities began revealing
themselves, with the input of my 'canvasses.' It was fun to hear what each
person might suggest, as well as having free reign with those who said, "Just
paint me, do what you will."
I hope everyone felt at least a bit of their character coming through in the
final shimmery product, and hopefully this will be a jumping off point for
bigger,
better, more elaborate adventures in the future.
cheers,
clarissa
)))))))
Carol Koss 
Poet(Leper)
Subject: Re: you are a gift to us all
Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 09:53:48 -0400
From: CPKoss@aol.com
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Re my thoughts and feelings about Friday night, the only negative I had, and
it
was not a major negative, was with the space. It worked well for many things,
but I would have preferred something that had at least two rooms or
designated and separate spaces, with more of a flow.
Don't have time right
now (am at work), to share more thoughts, but will do that soon.
Yesterday afternoon was the first time in three weeks I had my regular energy
level back. Friday night was a delight. Thank you for being the brain and
heart
to put it all together.
Carol
(((((((
Steven Stark 
Cellist(MusicGod)
Subject: Re: you are amazing
Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 14:55:27 -0400
From: "Steven Stark" <steven@stevenstarkmusic.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Skip,
Thanks so much for your note, I really appreciate it. I had a great
time riding the waves in the ark of Ziusudra on Friday night. The
Evening had the feeling of a focused brainstorm, or anarchy in a box. I
thought it was great.
I'm certainly interested in a viewing party, and I look forward to
seeing pictures. I think what you're doing is fantastic, please keep it
up. I know you will. It's really a celebration of life and being aware.
Steven
)))))))
( Audience Member )
Subject: Friday night.
Date: Mon, 9 May 2005 15:26:42 -0500
From: "David Stegall" <davids@NorthCare.com>
To: "Skip L. \(E-mail\)" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Skip,
Friday night at your event was fantastic !!!
Would like to get together sometime.
David
(((((((
Jenan El-Bakoush 
Tri-Brain,
Neocortex
Subject: re
Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 20:57:30 -0500
From: "Jenan El-Bakoush" <je9601@hotmail.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of the project! It was
a
wonderful and challenging experience. I enjoyed participating in the event
and
thought that things came together. KC, Casey, and Lorrie were great to work
with.
At the event, I thought Steven's cello really added to our opening sequence.
The music made the impact even stronger. The only mishap, if you can even
call
it that was when our chord became tangled in some of the material hanging
from the ceiling. Luckily Nicole was on hand with the scissors! KC, Casey
and
myself would try and pull some people into the center, but they would just
go
back to the corners.
Lorrie did a great makeup job! I had several people tell me after the event
that
they hadn't realized it was me at first.
The space looked amazing and I think that everyone did a fantastic job on
the event.
Lots of thanks to you!
Jenan
)))))))
Ralph Petrosky 
Eye-in-the-Sky
Subject: Re: love to you
Date: Tue, 10 May 2005 21:27:52 EDT
From: RalphPetrosky@aol.com
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Absolutely Skip.... I loved the event.... it begged the question perfectly....
I've got the raw footage on tape.... think you will enjoy....
Love,
Ralph
(((((((
Subject: Re: love and appreciation
Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 13:41:49 -0500
From: Samir Khan <ahsamir.khan@gmail.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Hi Skip
I finally managed to see the pictures. I feel like I've missed out on a
lot of action. I only hope that the next time my participation will be more
active.
In the meantime im looking forward to the video.
thanks
samir
)))))))
Subject: RE: Ziusudra Friday
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 20:09:36 -0500
From: "Nadia Ellis" <nadia_ellis@mcloudteleco.com>
To: <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Glad to hear everything went beyond expectations! I know you put your time,
energy and thoughts in this. I'd love to see the video !
Nadia
(((((((
John Haynes VideoGod
Subject: Re: video
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 20:14:29 -0500
From: John Haynes / Possibility X Media <john@possibilityx.com>
To: skipsilver@gbronline.com
Hi, Skip:
Glad you wrote, because I have some questions for you.
But first: the footage is loaded into my computer, so if you want, I can
loan you the tapes so you can take a look at all the raw footage. I can
edit without the tapes.
I shot about 1.5 hours of tape, and George shot about 40 minutes. He has
his tape, so if you'd like to see it, please contact him.
Thanks for putting on a great happening, Skip. I enjoyed the concept and
the energy of the thing.
Cheers---
John
)))))))
Subject: Paseo Arts Association
Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 11:21:24 -0500
From: "Sara Jane Dodd" <sdodd@rainbowfleet.org>
To: <skipsilver@gbronline.com>Skip,
Hello there! It's Sara Jane from Rainbow Fleet. I hope you remember me, I
am
the girl you had coffee with after the PAA meeting that had a bandage on her
nose. Anyway...I was contacting you in regards to a few things. The biggest
one is getting Rainbow Fleet on the Paseo website. Is this a possibility?
We are
a dues paying member again, and would love to be on the Paseo site as well.
Our website is www.rainbowfleet.org If we can get on the Paseo website, we
will definately put the Paseo on ours.
BTW-my husband went to your show Friday before last and cannot
stop telling
everyone how amazing it was. I had a previous wedding party thing I had to
attend, but I am anticipating another hopefully!
Yours for Children,
Sara Jane Dodd
Referral Specialist
Rainbow Fleet Resource & Referral
)))))))
(((((((
)))))))
Ziusudra - Flood of Mindsets Event Memo Archive
(((((((
Subject: z 2005
Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2005 00:22:34 +0000
From: "skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Hello my friends - here's hoping your launch into
the new year is nourishing. I see 2005 to be a
highly eventful year, and I wish you loving flow
through it.
Ziusudra is now a year into process. It began in
December 2003 with a flood of invitations to build
a new " ark." It ended a year later December 2004
with the Southeast Asia tsunami.
The floods of Ziusudra are primarily charged waves
of solar plasma that periodically re-wire the electrochemical
nervous systems of animal life on earth, especially the
brains of humans. Cataclysmic earth changes also
accompany these solar floods.
We are now into the Solar Minimum stage of the sun's
eleven year cycle, when Sol's activity should be at its
least. Despite that, less than one minute into 2005, the
sun unleashed a giant solar flare to baptize the new year.
Solar activity remained high for the next 20 days,
culminating on Bush's inaugural day with the largest
radiation flare since 1989. The sky is raining fire in 05.
Of course you and I know that all this is merely interesting
coincidence. Ziusudra, however, only chuckles at the
human concept of " coincidence."
( By the way, you can check out hourly solar activity here -
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/today2.html)
Nonetheless, we are right on schedule with the longterm
process of building the new ark. This year, along with your
personal creative growth, I would like to develop two
events - perhaps one in April and one in August. Both are
to be multi-art realizations, probably for one evening - maybe
two. They will be microcosms of the longer, larger events later on.
So this message is to plumb the depths among you; after a
year, how many of you will have a work ready for April? August?
Send me a yea or nay - or let me know if you are interested
in participating in the production end ( which includes
everything needed to make it happen ). Once I have a handle on who's
participating, we'll have a meeting to discuss the event in greater
depth. It appears possible that we can hold the events at
Jason & Nicole Moan's new gallery on Shartel ( used to be
Against The Grain gallery.)
Just to refresh your mind, Z's initial flood stage is a tsunami
of human mindsets, the result of the solar wind restructuring
our brains' neural network. If you doubt the capacity of
human mindsets to alter the globe, you haven't looked around
lately.
The concept of a great flood of mindsets covering the earth
makes it virtually impossible for you to create any artwork
that does not fit into the theme. You have no restrictions on
your contribution other than it being creative, and being
produceable in the space. In particular, I want to alert you against
overemphasizing the flood theme. Whatever you create, I will find a place
for it.
love
skip
)))))))
Subject: z 2/05 mtg update
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 13:47:40 +0000
From: "skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Ziusudra website
http://www.thepaseo.com/skipsilver/ziusudra/index.html
we held a very energetic, productive meeting saturday at galileo,
discussing the spring Z event. thanks to Alma Hepp, David Irwin,
Christy Myers, Marissa Lane, Dan Sparks and Asia.
below is a summary of some of the things i covered.
====================
z05 event concept
first weekend of May
at jason&nicole’s gallery at 2412 N Shartel
==================
a one-eve process combining theater & exhibit. in general, it
will be like having an art exhibit inside a stage designed scene. in
this setting, over a period of several hours, audience will wander freely
through a nonlinear theatrical envelope consisting of set, lights, sound,
and
performers in costume & make-up engaging the audience &
repeating symbolic behavior. the performance art will also focus
the audience on the visual art pieces.
the theme of the event is to express a flood of human mindsets,
in a seemingly chaotic condition. the primary symbol for the
mindset flood for this event will be colored glasses. audience
and participants will have 3 sets - green, red & blue.
the primary theatrical symbol for the eve will be 3 mimes, connected
by a stretchable material to form “ siamese triplets ,“ with each
mime displaying the behavior of each of the 3 human brains - one,
reptilian - one, mammalian - and one neocortical (robotic). (more below)
in addition to the tri-mimes, there will be as many other performance
art activities as i can muster ( will need volunteers - you ). it should
be fun & easy. for example, there will be an entry ritual for the
audience, consisting of a sort of security-check & issuing of glasses
(two people for that - male/female) - the poets will be mounted on 3-tiered
pedestals with a coin slot to activate them, 50 cents a poem.
another example:
performance person in uniform, ( marissa )with rotating red light
on head. every 10 minutes, turns on light, races to box in gallery,
secures perimeter with yellow tape, uses some instrument to
monitor box (marked "FEAR"), cautiously opens box, releases red
helium-filled balloon, runs circles around box in panic - then climbs
in box & closes lid - 10 minutes later, pops out & races to another
box -------- need 12 balloons & boxes, along with costume & props.
i hope to have a dozen people doing symbolic acts like these -
in make-up and costume. in fact, i would like sort of a “halloween”
event, with audience invited to wear costumes/masks, etc.
this will emphasize the prevalence of mindsets.
in addition, between now and the event date, i would like to video tape
people doing some relatively simple things - like standing at a traffic
light, etc. i want to have around six televisions/vcrs running at the
event. a lot of the footage will be looped quick sequences captured
off tv, displaying a tidal wave of mindsets.
after i know what the visual art looks like, we’ll also use the
performance artists to focus audience attention toward them.
==================
the entire gallery & its front sidewalk will be part of the staging area.
as cheaply as possible, i want to create a wave-like atmosphere with
butcher paper, cellophane and fabric - utilizing the several dozen
spotlights in the gallery mounted with color jell.
the waves will be suspended from a central point in gallery, looping out
to the periphery. just below the central point, i want to suspend a
large head, made of wire and covered with colored cellophane. inside the head
wil be a rotating mirror ball. ( Christy will build the head )
if possible, i want the waves streamers to drop to floor level in such
a way as to create a circular labyrinth - with these descending
streamers highlighting a visual artpiece.
the entrance ritual will be used to alter the sensory perceptors of the
audience. they will be security checked, given colored glasses and a
one-line “script” they will have to perform at some point in the
evening
(to a video cammera) - then they will enter the gallery through a ten
foot tunnel made of butcher paper ( which will be full of symbols )
the sidewalk area in front is lighted by three windows ( framed by
neon tubes ). i’ll use the windows as a triune brain projection. they’ll
be covered with colored cellephane and hold suspended cutouts
symbolic of each the 3 brains.
during the week before the event, we’ll hold several evening
ark-building parties to decorate & adapt the space.
==================
the tri-mimes will initiate the audience before they enter.
opening sidewalk perf - (& later inside ) parent-infant spectrum of
behavior to the extreme, with abrupt mood swings. each mime will perform
characteristics of the brain they represent - reptile, paleomammalian,
neocortex.
tri-mimes, showing specific brain functions as they in turn
rescue/abuse infant - rept will birth infant then cannibalize it -
paleo will then rescue it, lullaby it, then sexualize/assault it -
neo will then rescue it, measure it as it
teaches it words, then remove its head for further analysis -
reptilian will then rescue it & start sequence again.
at each point of abuse, the infant is rescued by next brain
in rotation = rept to paleo to neo to rept etc.
outside, the tri-mimes will be each illuminated by jelled flashlights,
green-red-blue, handled by 3 assistants who will be
placed inside each of the 3 windows. there is also a display area
behind the windows to work with.
==================
another example of performance art works in the mix:
i want at least six televisions & vcrs placed around the gallery.
ralph & george (& others) may want to use these. i plan to
use some of them for videotaped mindset floods - primarily
sequences of 5-10 seconds of televison programs. these tapes
will be looped to run continuously.
let me know if you are interested in doing one of the
performance art sequences.
================
i will create four committees - a Scavenger Committee to find
materials we need - a Publicity Committee - a Refreshment
Committee for both the ark-building parties & the event -
and an Ark-building Committee.
let me know what interests you.
================
it would be nice if everyone kept an eye out for materials
we will need. budget is $ 0.
Partial Scavenger List
- rolls of butcher paper, colored cellophane, & fabric (see-thru)
- staple guns, string, wire, scissors, glue
- theater make-up, primarily mime white, powder, colored liners.
- many, many eyeglass frames - red, blue, green cellophane
- 6 strong flashlights
- 3 caps with rotating red light on top
- yellow crime scene ribbon
- slide projectors
- 12 red balloons filled with helium
- 12 large cardboard boxes
- sound system
- 6 televisions & vcrs - extension cords
- bubble machines
- magic markers, paint for butcher paper, brushes
- rubber baby doll with detachable limbs & head ( durable )
love
skip
(((((((
Subject: Z May 6
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005 02:06:23 -0600
From: "skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
As a great wave that breaks surface as it nears shore, so it is
with our Ziusudra event in May - well...
ok, that metaphor may be a little grandiose, but
Friday, May 6 should be a great ripple! There is a core group
of very talented people focusing on this event, and I am excited.
More about that below.
I have a flyer ready ( thanks, Samir, for printing it ). You can see
a miniature attached. The text reads:
--------------
ZIUSUDRA - the flood is coming (in a brainstorm)
A free event. A costume party for you. An art show theater
performance music concert dance ritual poetry video
collage and solar storm.
Friday, May 6th
Rampage Gallery
( Jason & Nicole Moan's new space )
2412 North Shartel
DOORS OPEN ONLY BETWEEN 7:30 - 7:45pm
Featuring Casey Chavez, KC Burns & Jenan el-Bakoush
as the Triune Brain. Also Pseudodance Company,
Skip Largent, Lorrie Keller, Jason & Nicole Moan, Albert
& Deborah Riddle, Asia, Carol Koss, Randy Clemons,
Marissa Lane, and many more.
An ongoing project by Skip Largent.
Call 557-1369
Email: skipsilver@gbronline.com
www.thepaseo.com/skipsilver/ziusudra/
--------------------
Space restriction did not allow me to list everyone involved.
Besides those mentioned above, the following have indicated
they want to be involved: Ralph Petroski, Jennifer Grover, George
Oswalt, Debi Allen, Nadia Ellis, Natawn Steinman, Alma Hepp,
Winnie Hawkins, Ahsamir Khan, Dan Sparks, David Irwin, Alycia
Goeke, Joli & Tapestry, Sky, Cyndi Hoke. Am I forgetting anyone?
It is never too late for others of you to be involved. Just let me know.
And hopefully all of you will help get the word out. Flyers and word
of mouth are all the advertising I am going to do. My biggest concern
at this moment is that too many people will show up.
I will have a meeting next Saturday, April 16, 3:33pm at Jason/Nicole’s
gallery where the event will take place. The address is 2412 N. Shartel.
I will outline the event & the schedule leading up to it. If you can’t
attend, and want to know what’s happening, email me.
If you have visual art for the event, we need to talk about exhibiting
it. Let me know soon how that looks for you.
I have gotten a wonderful response to the call for things needed during
the event. We have a lot of fabric & paper to convert the space to a
wave-filled environ. We also have paint, markers, glue, staples, etc.
But we still need rolls of cellophane to jell the lights & windows and
as part of the wave interior. I am probably going to have buy these. If
anyone can help out with that, I’d appreciate it.
We have plenty of vcrs, but still need 3 - 4 televisions for the
evening.
I’m still working with MG Novelty on several things, including the
colored glasses. We’ll see.
We have make-up, but need more. I want to white-face all the performance
people ( except for Randy, who wants to be black-face). You can do
whatever you want with your face on top of the white foundation.
Still need a sound system. and a rubber baby doll with detachable
head & limbs.
Tuesday, Wed, Thurs - May 3,4 & 5 - 7pm to 9pm, we’ll be having
prep parties to shape the space. I’m hoping many of you will
try to come one of these nights. I’m counting on your creativity
and know-how.
More soon.
love
skip
)))))))
Subject: z alert
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 03:10:06 -0600
From: skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Our Zevent on Friday, May 6 draws closer. Everything is flowing
beautifully, and it will be an evening of fun and creativity. I have
designed an event where everything that happens during the eve
is perfectly fine, and everything you do is simply perfect. We will
put a group of very creative people into a space and play it as it
goes. There is no way anything can go " wrong," it will all fit
beautifully within the theme of human mindsets. Just expect anything.
To assist in the simplicity, I have given us a very primitive tribal
structure. It is used by all animals, and you are very familiar with it.
At the top of the structure is our headhoncho, a three-headed
god/goddess who everyone fears. This is the Tri-Mimes. You will
have no problem recognizing it/them. They are connected by
stretchable membrane. Casey Chavez is the reptilian head. KC Burns
is the mammalian head. Jenan El-Bakoush is the robotic head.
Second in the power structure are the High Priestesses and
the High Enforcer. Pseudodance Company members are the priestesses.
Marissa Lane is the Homeland Security enforcer. Again, you should
have no problem recognizing them. During the eve they will be
attempting to interpret what the 3headed deity wants ( next to
impossible ), and relay it on to everyone else ( impossible ). They
fear the deity. Everyone else they treat like sheep to be herded.
Also, at times Marissa sounds a bomb alert and races through
her bomb protocol, during which everyone but the deity tries to
hide, coming out cautiously after she climbs into her box.
Third in the power structure are the CommonPeople. These are
Jason & Nicole and their ceramic corset models. They fear the deity. Also,
they fear the priestesses and the enforcer to their face, but ridicule
them behind their back. Mostly, however, they are confused by what
this is all about - and would rather just play with their
bubble-blowers and penis-balloons.
That is the primary structure of the tribe. So how does everyone
else plug in?
Poets - They are lepers, outcasts, unclean. Everyone is repulsed by
the poets. They are Carol Koss, Natawn, and Tapestry. They will have
a " P " on their foreheads. During the two hours of the event, the
poets never
engage in casual conversation. Whenever they talk, they are saying lines of
their poems. It is irrelevant what the conversation is, when the poets
open their mouths, poetry comes out.
Musicians - They are all popgods. Everyone is their groupie. They are
Steven Stark (cello), Jessica Tate (harp), and Randy Clemons ( guitar ).
Steven is the " voice " of the audience. He will be playing most
of the evening,
providing an instantaneous " movie soundtrack " for the audience
and their reactions.
Painters - They are fashiongods. Albert & Deborah Riddle, and
Sam Echols. Everyone wants to be painted by the
painters. But the painters are only interested in painting the painters.
Video Makers - They are the famegods. Everyone wants their 15 minutes
of fame. George Oswalt and John Haynes will wander the floor. They are
Reality TV - like Survivors, everyone is on the island. Ralph Petroski is
at the
top of the ladder, taping. He also has a live cable to the TV below which
is the
main altar of the evening. He is the Eye-in-the-Sky. No one notices Ralph,
just the TV.
Vocalist - Shaman/Healer. This is Asia. She will have a circle on her forehead.
When she chants, everyone feels better.
The Audience - Hopefully they will all be in costume, and most likely will
entertain themselves all evening. The audience is treated like Tourists.
Finally, there is Z. Ziusudra is not part of the structure at all. The tribe
and
everyone is aboard his vessel. He has rescued them from the flood, so
everyone loves Z. He steers the course of the evening ( which I'll tell you
about soon in another email).
Again, here is the schedule for the first week in May, leading to the
event on Friday, May 6.
Time Chart for Z Event Friday, May 6 at Rampage Gallery
Now to Sunday, May 1 - Triune-Mimes rehearsals, materials gathering,
video taping of special scenes, flier distribution & word-of-mouth pr.
( I don’t expect everyone to come to all these. Hope everyone will
make it to at least one )
Sunday, May 1, 6-9pm
and
Monday, May 2, 7-9pm
and
Tuesday, May 3, 7-9pm - visual artists party - bring all artwork to be shown
at the event, painting decorating hanging streamers for the oceanic
environment and shaping the space.
Wednesday, May 4, 7-9pm
and
Thursday, May 5, 7-9pm - performers party - rehearsals, space adjustment,
sequencing - equipment set-up
Friday, May 6, 6-7pm - everyone in for make-up
7:30-9:30 - Z event
Saturday, May 7 - clean up the gallery, pick up artwork.
Rampage Gallery ( formerly Against the Grain )
2412 North Shartel
Ziusudra Mindset Event website at
http://www.thepaseo.com/skipsilver/ziusudra/mindset/mindset.html
(((((((
Subject: Z - 7
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 21:15:38 -0600
From: "skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
One week until Z-day.
As Z, I will " steer the course " of the evening. Let me give you
an idea of what that might look like.
We will not be on auto-pilot Friday evening. I will " navigate
by the stars." In other words, you should be ready for anything.
Other than a ritualized beginning and ending, I will be shaping
the experience as we process through it. How will I do it?
I will do it with simple communication with you during
the course. These are the tools:
- GONG - whenever you hear the GONG, EVERYONE freezes and
stays frozen until I hit the gong again - no more than several
moments at a time. ( Asia & Steve, you are an exception here. I'll talk
to you about it ) On the second gong, continue what you were
doing previously. The gong negates time & space.
- WHISTLE - whenever Marissa blows her whistle, you stop to hear
what the alert is. If it is a bomb-alert, everyone but the tri-mimes
will try to hide untill she climbs into her box. If she blows the
whistle for other reasons, listen to what she says and react however you want.
- Z WHISPER - Yeah - at times I will be whispering suggestions into
your ear - especially the tri-mimes, Lynna, Marissa, Asia and Nicole/Jason.
There may be other ways I'll communicate ( like turning the lights
out ), but I'll tell you before the event.
ALPHA & OMEGA?
The first 15 minutes & the last 15 minutes of the event are set.
At 7:30pm, the event begins with the tri-mimes and Steven Stark
sweeping out onto the front sidewalk and performing. The tri-mimes
will be illuminated by 3 priestesses inside in the front windows with lights.
At 7:40pm, Marissa & Carol will open the front doors, and begin processing
people into the gallery. Marissa will be scanning them, and Carol will
be giving them their " movie lines " for videotaping later. When
the doors
open, the tri-mimes & Steven will end outdoors & come in. After entering,
the audience will " run the gauntlet " of models with their balloon
penises
and bubbles.
After their entry initiation, I would like the audience to walk into
utter pandemonium. A lot of noise. A lot of motion. The poets, the
musicians, the dancers - all warming up for performance. The more
chaos you make the better. This will go on 7-10 minutes as we get
the audience inside. The tri-mimes will not be onstage. I will end the
pandemonium with the first GONG of the evening & everyone will
freeze, The tri-mimes will enter and we'll be embarked on a fun evening.
At 9:15pm, the last GONG of the eve will sound, & the priestesses will
end the event with their performance piece. Afterwards, I will thank
the audience for coming & introduce all of you.
BETWEEN THE BEGINNING & THE END:
Mesmerization of a Self-Myth
If you are having fun, everything is on course.
If you are being playful & creative, everything is on course.
Nothing in the eve's event depends on " organization."
It will float on your free-flowing talent.
Whatever happens, improvise and play with it.
Musicians & poets, each of you will have 10-12 minutes of
solo time during the evening. It could happen at any time.
Either Homeland Security ( Marissa ) or the High Priestess
( Lynna ) will come get you & lead you to the performance
area. After ten minutes, your performance will be terminated
abruptly by some sort of disruption, so don't let it throw you.
Examples: after each musician has performed 10 minutes ( to
an adoring audience ), the staging area will be invaded and the
microphone will be seized by a poet ( the scum ). The violated
musician will have to retreat in a huff. In turn, after the poet
has performed 10 minutes, Homeland Security will sound a
bomb alert, and everyone will try to hide.
Painters & VideoMakers - at times you will be disrupted by
a priestess or a model. They will want you to focus on
them. You don't. After a few minutes they will give up.
Asia, after Marissa has climbed into her box during a bomb
alert, your chanting will draw everyone out of hiding and make
them feel better.
This should give you a general idea about what the evening might
look like. There will be additional happenings May 6th. Flow
with it & have fun.
This Sunday, May 1, 6-9pm, we have the first decorating party
at the gallery, 2412 N Shartel. I anticipate that we will be
painting and drawing the streamers most of the time. I will have
paper and paint and magic markers. Bring whatever else you
desire. These will be the waves we loop from the ceiling.
Every night of the coming week, we will be opeing the gallery
for whoever can come to shape the space - and rehearsals as
well on Wednesday & Thursday.
Would love to hear your thoughts and questions.
love
skip
)))))))
Subject: postZdraft
Date: Sun, 08 May 2005 15:17:11 -0600
From: "skipsilver@gbronline.com" <skipsilver@gbronline.com>
Monday, I'll have some pictures of the event on
the website - the event page is at:
http://www.thepaseo.com/skipsilver/ziusudra/mindset/mindset.html
The video footage from all three artists is being processed. When it
is ready, I would like to have a viewing party. At that time, perhaps
we can discuss what we see as the next step in Ziusudra.
Before the event drifts from your memory, however, I would like to
ask you to email me your thoughts/feelings about it. You are
essential to the flow of the project, and I would dearly love to read
your insights - and, if it's ok, share them with the others.
All day Saturday, while contemplating the event, I had to remind myself.
While the event went beautifully, it was only a part of a longer process -
a nice baby step. I want to remember that Z is about process -
the creative process that is key to art & personal growth. Every second
of creativity and thought and rehearsal that preceded the event is just
as integral for Z as the event. So now we have the fun of moving on,
incorporating what we've learned and created so far. I am very excited
about it. You are wonderful to create with.
And in regards
to the workings of the human mind, we've barely scratched the surface -
the next stage will be both a mindblower and a mindbirth.
love
skip