In Song and Dorothy Parker
Throughout 2007-09, for a number of readings I would sing the lost poems of Dorothy Parker to contemporary pop songs. By using a Parker poem and/or the work of other cultural icons, I would enter a discussion of feminism, or voter registration rights, mental health care, and an assortment of other political topics. Below is a compilation video of some of these performances [6’05 minutes, color and audio]. Venues at which some of these performances took place include: Museum of Contemporary Art – PDC, Beyond Baroque, Machine Project, BetaLevel, Eagle Rock Center for the Arts, Les Figues Press Annual Fundraiser, and the manana por la manana reading group in Los Angeles.
Dorothy and Bessie: Dorothy Parker’s poem, “The Passionate Freudian to His Love”
to Bessie Smith’s “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out”.
Beyond Baroque, Los Angeles [November 2007].
Dorothy and Dylan: Dorothy Parker’s “Invictus” poem to Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”.
Les Figues Press Benefit Auction [November 2007].
GLARE Quarterly launch: Syd Barrett’s “Gigolo Aunt” to Californian Voter Registration Rights.
The Museum of Contemporary Art – Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles [March 2008].