I Clean the Stage.
Preparations: Assemble the following instruments backstage: a straw broom, a metal dustpan, trash can, sponges & rags, a bucket (preferably metal), clean water, a wrist or pocket watch. Rubber gloves and a bandanna or mask to keep dust out of the nose & mouth may also be used. Make sure that the area between the center stage doors and the doors opening onto the Greek Theater is clear. The stage should be lit as brightly as possible. Be careful not to damage the surface of the stage with soap or harsh materials. Consider your clothes, especially your shoes and the sounds they will make when you walk. Be always aware of the time remaining. This piece may be performed by any number of people; the number of instruments used should vary accordingly. Alternately, the movements may be divided among ensemble members. In any case, the entire piece should take approximately 30 minutes (35 with Prelude). Prelude (for ensemble performance only): Begin sweeping the second-floor stage. Pull back the upper mural to reveal the activity. Close the mural before the sweeping is finished. (The sweeping must, however, be finished behind the closed mural.) Movement 1: Open the stage door (stage R). Remove any tape from the floor and examine the floor for noticeable dirt spots. Exit, discard used tape in the trashcan, and return with the broom. Close the door. Sweep from upstage to down stage center, making a dust pile approximately in the middle of the stage. If necessary, more piles may be made at appropriate locations. When all dust has been swept into piles, open the door and walk backstage to retrieve the dustpan. Sweep the piles into the dustpan; empty the dustpan in the trashcan backstage as necessary. Take the broom & dustpan backstage and close the door. Movement 2: Open the stage door (stage R); leave the stage door open for the duration of this movement. Carry the bucket of water (with sponges in it) to a selected position on stage. Noticeably dirty spots should be gently scrubbed first. After dirtier spots have been cleaned, dampen clean rags and wipe the floor in long, rapid strokes from left to right and back, upstage to downstage, until the entire floor has been wiped. Change the bucket-water in the restroom (which is off the second-floor stage) as necessary. When the floor is clean, take the bucket, sponges and rags offstage. Close the door. Movement 3: From backstage, open the center stage doors. Then open the doors to the Greek Theater. (If Prelude is performed, open Greek Theater doors first, then center stage doors.) Walk through the center doors to the stage and relax. Recline on the clean floor if you like. Quietly enjoy the sounds and fresh air that enter the Concert Hall from outside. When there is only a minute or two of the piece remaining, close the outside doors, then the stage doors. Exit stage R, closing the door behind you. Fin Solo premiered by Gretchen Jude, recorded by Annie Lewandowski on 9.26.2009, for broadcast on Resonance FM (London, England, UK) 10.23 & 10.25.2010. |
Dedicated to anyone who has ever cleaned up. General comments: There are two tasks at hand. The first is to clean the floor of the stage. The second is to be as mindful as possible of the sounds that the first task produces. How can this mundane set of actions be experienced as musical, while still remaining a functional activity? I Clean the Stage is NOT theater; there should be no drama or "acting" involved. This piece is fundamentally about hearing what it sounds like to sweep and wash a floor. The piece may be recorded or performed for a live audience. 
Prelude.
performed by Chris Brasseur & ensemble
Movement 1.
performed by Matthew Hettich & Joseph Rosenzweig
Movement 2. performed by Conner Lacy & Barton McGuire
Movement 3. performed by Gretchen Jude with the ensemble
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