Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Loose, Wet, Perforated is a contemporary version of the medieval morality play, full of all the moral relativism which that implies. A kaleidoscope of genres- tragedy, comedy, self-reflexive farce, academic treatise, cheap erotica- it tries to make sense of a post-ethical, post-analytical world.

The story revolves around two very different characters, Loose and Wet. Through a series of ordeals, they vie for ascendancy within a Guild whose purpose and inner workings remains opaque. As the contest progresses, nevertheless, it is clear Loose's ruthlessness is eminently more effective than the piety of Wet. But is there a proverbial glass ceiling to Loose's rise?

Parallel and perpendicular to this rivalry is the trajectory of the story's narrator-cum-commentator. Ze begins as the picture of impartiality, but ends up actively aiding and abetting the compelling Loose. Their fates thus become inextricably intertwined.

Once all is said and done, we find ourselves in a state of déjà vu, with the repetition of the opening scene and the (re)introduction of characters. There is one major difference, however: while the same individuals are presented, their roles have been swapped around. This acts as a concluding and transcending statement; that anyone, regardless of appearance or affiliation, could end up Loose, Wet or Perforated.

Work Details

Year: 2010

Instrumentation: Soprano, male soprano or countertenor, contralto, baritone, Bb/bass clarinet, soprano/alto saxophone, tenor trombone, percussion (6 players), playback for electronics. Instrumentalists also required to speak.

Duration: 70 min.

Difficulty: Advanced — Professional, new music specialist

Contents note: Preamble -- Interlude I -- Ordeal I -- Ordeal II -- Ordeal III -- Interlude II -- Ordeal IV -- Revelation -- Transformation -- Postamble.

Commission note: Commissioned by Guerilla Opera.

First performance: by Guerilla Opera — 16 Sep 11. Zack Box Theater, Boston Conservatory USA

Analysis

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