The Doomsday clock is ticking. Climate collapse is imminent. The Earth is spinning faster than it ever has before. What chance does America have of making it to the other side?
It’s a question that legendary artist Laurie Anderson doesn’t answer exactly. Rather, she ponders it, rages against it, and ultimately finds peace with it – and the audience is invited to do the same.
Part concert, part film, part beat poetry night, ARK: United States V is a sprawling multimedia performance that certainly isn’t short of ambition. There’s a fairly loose plot with a few characters and personas, but they never really take centre stage. Rather, they’re voices shouting into the void – just like the rest of us.
The real stars of the show are Anderson’s remunerations and musings, weighted by her usual wit and charisma. Weaving in everything from jazz instrumentals to Buddhist teachings, there’s an eclectic mix of monologues, personal stories and long-form poems that encompass fear, love, myth and alternative realities.
As ARK was completed before the American election, it’s clear that Anderson is continuing to reshape the narrative in direct response. This means ARK can sometimes feel haphazard, but it’s unashamedly raw and poignant nonetheless. Look out for Elon Musk’s starring role as the devil in full cartoon strip glory…
Featuring everything from AI experimentation, Tai Chi and collective screaming, ARK takes you on a multi-faceted journey like no other. You’re not really sure where you’re supposed to be heading, but with Anderson’s encouragement, you’re happy to just sail away.
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- Words:
- Sarah Catherine Jones
- Published on:
- Wed 20 Nov 2024
