Directed by: Jeremiah D. Reeves
OMFAGALAP2010 presents a documentary of a documentary; a double translation. A moving painting of survival told from the field through slave songs. In the Land of Pigs between power and money, recognition and blame, slavery and freedom exists an undulating journey of transition and failure where art and reputation are on the line.
THE CHARACTERS:
The Museum Board of Directors & Staff
The Director
The Artist’s Collective
The Guests
THE SETTING A Museum Gala Fundraiser in an airplane hangar. Decorated with pig themed ornaments and lit darkly. The guest tables, in the center of the hangar are arranged in clusters and circumscribed by a catered buffet and a full swing orchestra that has begun playing. There is an open bar. A giant pig hanging center stage. Guest are arriving; the usual donors, supporters, local politicians and otherwise deemed important people -- invitation only and by reservation; $75. 200+ guests expected. An artist’s collective has established an encampment stage south. They are dressed in basic natural clothing and resemble a great expedition crew. Their camp is bestrewed with an array of wooden objects, 50ft of rope, 24 canvas panels, painting supplies, several white paper lanterns…all of which can be carried or contained on their persons. They have been enjoying themselves drinking and laughing. As the guests arrive they are urged to join the camp and don disposable medical garb.
PROPS AND COSTUMES:
Props Items of Import.
Ladder A tool used for climbing.
Folding Chairs Easily carried and versatile.
Shoe Butler Multipurpose wooden object with a great name.
Wagon Good for transporting goods.
Lantern The light. A beacon and spot light.
Walking Staff Double as percussive instruments.
Burlap Sacks For supplies and games.
Rope The line connecting all.
Wooden Folding Tables A nice place to set things.
Dress An item of beauty and simplicity.
Boots Leather, old and large; protection and comfort with an element of style.
24 Canvas Panels Document actions.
Canvas-Drop Multipurpose.
Head Lamps Light to see.
Folding Shovel A compact tool.
Knife Most essential survival tool.
Chess Pieces A game of strategy.
Painting Supplies The plastic medium.
Disposable Medical Garb Blue.
Daisies fresh cut flowers.
Costumes basic natural clothing containing elements of wood, rope, canvas, and linen. Boots are the preferable foot attire for expeditions.
The Museum Board of Directors & Staff
The Director
The Artist’s Collective
The Guests
THE SETTING A Museum Gala Fundraiser in an airplane hangar. Decorated with pig themed ornaments and lit darkly. The guest tables, in the center of the hangar are arranged in clusters and circumscribed by a catered buffet and a full swing orchestra that has begun playing. There is an open bar. A giant pig hanging center stage. Guest are arriving; the usual donors, supporters, local politicians and otherwise deemed important people -- invitation only and by reservation; $75. 200+ guests expected. An artist’s collective has established an encampment stage south. They are dressed in basic natural clothing and resemble a great expedition crew. Their camp is bestrewed with an array of wooden objects, 50ft of rope, 24 canvas panels, painting supplies, several white paper lanterns…all of which can be carried or contained on their persons. They have been enjoying themselves drinking and laughing. As the guests arrive they are urged to join the camp and don disposable medical garb.
PROPS AND COSTUMES:
Props Items of Import.
Ladder A tool used for climbing.
Folding Chairs Easily carried and versatile.
Shoe Butler Multipurpose wooden object with a great name.
Wagon Good for transporting goods.
Lantern The light. A beacon and spot light.
Walking Staff Double as percussive instruments.
Burlap Sacks For supplies and games.
Rope The line connecting all.
Wooden Folding Tables A nice place to set things.
Dress An item of beauty and simplicity.
Boots Leather, old and large; protection and comfort with an element of style.
24 Canvas Panels Document actions.
Canvas-Drop Multipurpose.
Head Lamps Light to see.
Folding Shovel A compact tool.
Knife Most essential survival tool.
Chess Pieces A game of strategy.
Painting Supplies The plastic medium.
Disposable Medical Garb Blue.
Daisies fresh cut flowers.
Costumes basic natural clothing containing elements of wood, rope, canvas, and linen. Boots are the preferable foot attire for expeditions.
DIRECTOR OPENING COMMENTARY
[To the guest, using a microphone]
Why is it that the images of exploration so closely resemble those of slavery? Why do people conceal true messages in games of phonetics, etiquette and metaphor rather than stating the facts plainly? Can Art be made? Why is Art so exclusive? Who is an artist? Where should history live? When and how does failure become beautiful... raunchy... meaningful… trite? What does survival cost? What about relationships, how much do they cost? Belief? What are people willing to give to maintain…what are they willing to give to change? What is adaptation? And where do pigs fit into all of this?
These were our questions and we wanted answers.
PROGRESSION There are to be four encampments that alternate with a procession. During each encampment there are a series of actions/rituals performed as task to complete a set of paintings. There are to be a total of 24 paintings completed throughout the progression. The progression is told through a series of slave songs.
Initial Encampment The initial encampment is upon arrival of the collective as described in the opening. It is a time of merriment and jubilance. A toast is made and several of the collective are recording their thoughts in paint and journals. All items are unpacked from their persons and organized in neat little packet with some items in use. There is drinking, dinning, music and games. A burlap sack race takes place. Guests are invited to join and given a daisy. All guest are to urged to don disposable medical garb as not to be infected by the jubilee. At the signal of the director, the group begins assembling their items and displaying the initial paintings as flags or pennants at the designated sites. The group forms a line/procession. Songs: Jubilee; Hey Everybody; I’m Packing Up (see below)
Paintings:
1. Dinning
2. Dinning
3. Sweeping
4. Cooking
5. Documentation
6. Documentation
1. Dinning
2. Dinning
3. Sweeping
4. Cooking
5. Documentation
6. Documentation
[As transition from encampment #1 to procession #1 sung as a group]
I’m Packing Up
By: Alex Foster & Michel LaRue
“I’m packing up; I’m getting ready to go
I’m packing up; I’m getting ready to go
I’m packing up; I’m getting ready to go
I’m just packing up; I’m getting ready to go”
Procession #1 The members of the collective are bound at the waist and equally spaced by a 50ft rope. The lantern is lit and heads the procession. Followed by the helm and remaining items - the wagon is to be in rear. They move in a line as if a locomotive force, building in intensity and marching. Songs: Read ‘Em John; Blow Gabriel
Encampment #2 A dance floor is constructed during this encampment utilizing four of the canvases and tape. The dress is to be worn by one partner who is barefoot and the boots by the other. A semi circle is formed around the dancing guest. All dance and all is recorded as paint. Songs: Religion, So Sweet; Raise A Ruckus
Paintings:
7. Dancing
8. Dancing
9. Dancing
10. Dancing
11. Documentation
Procession #2 The expedition continues as follow the leader. The canvas-drop is to be used as the wind, flailing and thundering; a hurricane of sorts. There are screams and low moaning while the hurricane laughs. Songs: Pharaoh’s Host Got Lost
Encampment #3 Games of strategy are played. The map is consulted. A solemn and pensive mood exists. Three are bandaged immobilizing their right knee. The group is shaken and all begins to quiet. Songs: Kneebone Bend; John on the Island, I Hear Him Groan
Paintings:
12. Chess
13. Chess
14. Map
15. Documentation
16. Documentation
Procession #3 They move in a line silently as if searching for something [Look Over Yonder] in the darkness. Then only footsteps and the clanking of items can be heard. There is a noise! Ear to-the ground they listen and begin chanting [Voo-Doo American]. The voodoo seizes the last member in a strangle-hold. He struggles and dies. Pulling him in wagon a camp is made. Songs: Look Over Yonder (edited); Voo-Doo American (edited)
[As transition from procession #3 to the final encampment, sung, standing with each chant]
Voo-Doo American (phonetic expression)
By: Alex Foster & Michel LaRue
“bye-a-boo-la-ko
bye-a-boo-la-ko
bye-a-boo-la-ko
bye-a-boo-la-ko”
Final Encampment Funeral preparations are made. A gravesite is constructed. Some Pray. The hands of the body are dipped in paint as he is wheeled to his final resting place. He is traced and buried. Daisies are returned withered and tossed at grave site. Songs: Hold the Baby; Lay Down, Body
Paintings:
17. Burial
18. Burial
19. Burial
20. Burial
21. Documentation
22. Documentation
23. Documentation
24. Documentation
Final Procession The group binds themselves as a statue of hope, lantern held high and center atop the ladder and beaming forward. Songs: Wade the Water to My Knees
DOCUMENTARY The Documentary is to continue throughout the Gala as the stories of the individuals involved. They are to be shared in their proper social setting - from person to person. An oral tradition continued; a folklore history belonging to its time.
OMFAGALAP2010 was first presented by APAE in conjunction with Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, at Hangar 3, 1 Bullfrog Boulevard, Owensboro, KY, on May 15, 2010.
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