Because It's Round?, 1986, multimedia performance

Because It’s Round? was an original multimedia performance project by Lynn Book for 12 performers about crowds, power, sentimentality and colliding values systems. She also developed material coming directly out of the event of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. Book realized the project at MoMing Dance and Arts Center, Chicago, where it was performed over three nights in the main presenting space. Book’s performance was on a shared bill with Hudson (who later founded Feature Gallery); this marked the first time that performance artists were invited to show work as part of the main space season. Because It’s Round? was informed by Book’s emerging interests in Feminist and Structuralist theory, in particular ‘translating’’ concepts derived from French theorist Roland Barthes’ early essay, “The World As Object” and American Feminist, Susan Griffin’s book, “Woman and Nature”. Book’s image, movement, text and staging ideas also drew from her background in modern dance, and her experiments in writing, including for multiple voices. Total running time for the live performance was approximately 45 min.

Credits/ Collaborators:
Lynn Book, artist, writer, director, filmmaker, set design
Robert Metrick created the sound design
Steve Okun, lighting designer
Mary Brogger, costume designer