Shatter (ft. Shara Lunon)

2022 Roulette Commissioned 
Artist Didn’t I see you, 
when I was peaking 
through Peaking through the fog
The fog, so radiantly split
Split like the echoes of my mind
As if my image
Was shattered like pieces of Pieces of —

Shatter explores the splintered lives of five people, stuck in their own half-realities. Trying to find ways to come to the surface, they attempt to break free from their own shells, only to fall further into themselves. Paint, video, movement, and sound are all used as tools for their language as they journey to each other in the fog of crisis. Upon reunion, they find resolution and continue on together. Shatter is a piece about dissociation during a time of isolation and the power of community during struggle. Directly inspired by the events of the past two years, Shatter puts an abstract lens on mental health during the pandemic, exploring the emotional and physical boundaries that forced many of us to reflect on the vital importance of community and support.

We shatter and bits of ourselves are scattered on the floor. We look to pick up the pieces, only to find that we cannot alone. The edges are sharp, and our perception, limited. Only after finding each other do we re-create versions of ourselves, like a puzzle putting pieces back in different places, but just as a whole. And with that, we settle into a state that is not finalized, but for now, sufficient. We shatter the expectation. We continue on.

Curated by Darius Jones

Combining word and sound is an ancient practice. The subject matter and sonic environment may vary but it is always compelling. We will ruminate about home, make the mundane more meaningful, witness an imagined dialogue between two Black geniuses, and experience how sound becomes communication. This evening will also feature a World Premiere by one of our esteemed composers.

Featuring:
International Contemporary Ensemble
Chris Ryan Williams, trumpet
Shara Lunon, voice
Lester St. Louis, cello
Luke Stewart, bass

Supported by The Alice M. Ditson Fund, Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trust, 
Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.