Signaling Without Receiving is a sound-based performance piece in which performers are arranged in four corners of a square facing away from the center of the square. Each performer wears in-ear ear plugs as well as over-ear industrial noise canceling headphones. This is so that the performers cannot hear or see each other. Each performer can play whatever they want on any instrument they want. The performers begin playing simultaneously when signaled.
The performance is meant to illuminate the tension between the processes of complex systems and that of self-expression. Social change is implemented through human systems. Each individual unit of the systems is persons. Through processes of transmitting and receiving information, persons operate systems of social change. Signals must be received in order for operations to be effective. A person cannot signal and receive simultaneously. A person cannot signal if they are receiving, in the same way a person cannot act on contradicting ideas. The receiver yields their expression. There is a tension between individuals naturally in this way. The performers and the sounds accompanied with their performance are an expression of this tension. Because the performers will be signaling (creating sound) with a diminished ability to receive or listen (due to the properties of the ear plugs and noise canceling headphones) the result will likely be cacophonous space ruled by noise and unrelenting child-like self-expression. Or perhaps, in the uneasiness of not being able to ‘play’ off of others, the piece will be silent at times. Where does this leave us in regards to the relationship for self-expression and our desire for complex social systems? Can distinctions between ideas, in this case sounds, rhythms, and melodies, be made through the noise of over-signaling?
credits
released December 1, 2017
Composed by David Clay Bridges
Produced by Shadow Trash Tape Group
Side A:
Performers-Amanda C Baker, Stephen Edwards, Ari Looney, Frank Malarki, recorded live from the sound board at Boulder Creative Collective 9/30/17
Side B:
Performers-Jeff Thomassen, Daniel Higgins, Ari Looney, Frank Malarki, recorded live with Zoom H6 at Boulder Creative Collective 10/27/17
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