Dear __________,
I'm writing to invite you to participate in a performance of Disaster Opera Theatre (D.O.T), Wednesday, February 14 (Valentine's Day), at the Beanbender's concert series, Berkeley Store Gallery Annex, 2295 Shattuck Avenue. If you choose to participate, please arrive between 7:30 and 8PM. If possible, bring a music stand.
D.O.T. performances are unrehearsed events in which musical compositions and stories are presented haphazardly and slap-dashedly, as a sort of offering to the God of unpreparedness, misunderstanding, panic and confusion: Pan. Not to sell ourselves short: D.O.T. productions rival some of the best and worst that this wonderful country has to offer. And there's always plenty of room for creative intervention, deus ex machina, tomfoolery, ebullience, scorn, mischief, misery, knavery, insouciance, bouillabaisse, masterful camera work, dubiosity, glum resignedness to impending hairlessness-to be followed immediately by hair-raising antics, daunting and taunting, billowing like a big balloon, brazen effrontery, overblown sentimentality, maudlin remorse, horseback riding, grandiose posturization (i.e., "chewing the scenery"), swordswomanship... not to mention chicanery, poltroonery, and sloth. And as always, refreshments will be served!
Your parts are enclosed. Some assembly is required: what you will find may or may not be playable. You may simplify your parts, or approach them impressionistically: follow the general shape, velocity or harmony. That which is not playable may be improved by improvisation. That which cannot be improvised may be improved by one or more of: 1) a kicking and crying tantrum, 2) a composition of your own, or 3) interpretive dance, (And you know that we can't abide interpretive dance!) 4) interpretive dance anyway-you're not doing this to please us! Or anyone else, for that matter: D.O.T. is not responsible for anyone enjoying themselves or for articles of clothing left behind or suddenly catching on fire.
To be more explicit: You will find among these materials music written in conventional notation. Some of the music may be numbered or titled. It's also possible that you will find included instructions for improvisational strategies and structures. (I can't be certain about any of this because I haven't yet begun to put the music together.) Upon your arrival at Beanbender's, you will be told where to set up, and you may be given a set list, or you may be required to play from your music at your own discretion. (Attendance and participation in this Heisenbergian event is not suggested for those upset at the prospect of uncertainty or chaos.) Some pieces may be conducted, that they may be played in a common tempo. Do your best, but if you get lost, improvise, or get a snack. On unconducted pieces, you may play at any tempo, and you may pause to repeat phrases you like-or which simply need practice-to your own satisfaction.
In some cases, instruments or instrument transposition (e.g., B-flat sax) will be suggested, based upon my knowledge of your instrumentation. However, unless specified, you may play any piece on any instrument in any transposition. You are encouraged to bring several instruments, and switch from one to another as often as you like. Exotic instruments are especially prized in D.O.T. orchestras.
Guitarists and bassists must provide their own amplification. Bring small amps, if possible.
Drummers are encouraged to bring reduced sets, or hand percussion. Keyboard players may take turns at the piano (2 or 3 at once), or bring little electronic keyboards or mallet instruments or toys.
I am sending this invitation (along with individualized packages of music) to all of the musicians whose names I recognized on a quick pass through our mailing list. If you know of someone who didn't get an invitation, please make them a copy of yours, along with your music, or ask them to contact me for their own set. If you are receiving this invitation second or third hand, it is only because I didn't have your address, I processed the mailing list too quickly, I didn't remember parts of your name, or I ran out of stamps. No slight is intended!
You needn't RSVP, but if you have any questions or ideas you wish to discuss, please write, call or send e-mail (address above). I hope to see you February 14!
Sincerely,
Dan Plonsey