Youth Corps present alongside Marina Abramović to 450 students at the student matinee of Goldberg. Photo by Da Ping Luo
This semester, our main project was inspired by Goldberg. We wrote a Guide to Unplugging for students coming to see the Goldberg performance. In the guide, we asked ourselves: What is worth unplugging for? Very excitingly, we also worked with Marina Abramović herself to plan a pre-show experience to prepare students for Goldberg.
Youth Corps meet with Marina Abramović and Igor Levit in summer 2015. Photo by Da Ping Luo
Our preparations for this project actually started when the Phase II Youth Corps were here over the summer. We got the chance to sit with Marina Abramović and Igor Levit (above) and hear their visions for the show. We enjoyed Marina’s lovely jokes and delightful expressions with her collaborator Igor Levit. We got to preview Goldberg and listen to Igor play a section of the Goldberg Variations. We were amazed at his talent and how much he connected with his piano. We learned about how their goal in this performance was to place us outside our comfort zone and challenge us to be present to listen to the music. Marina and Igor wanted us to connect with our mind and body. This got us ready for writing the Guide, as well as helping with the Student Matinee.
Youth Corps meet with Marina Abramović in fall 2015 to plan the pre-show experience. Photo by Chelsea Emelie Kelly
This semester, we met twice with Marina to develop ideas and come up with plans for the pre-show before the student matinee. This pre-show was meant to help students be prepared to experience Goldberg.
We were nervous to meet her, but Marina made jokes with us and eased our nerves right away. On the morning of the matinee, Marina concluded that we would start by sharing our experiences of the show to the 450 students who were coming. Personally, I don’t like talking in front of crowds so I was really nervous. But Marina got us prepared by doing breathing exercises closely related to the Abramović Method, which helped me be less nervous. We started by laying on the floor with our faces to the ceiling and having our hands to our hearts and stomachs. I felt like I was floating in the middle of the ocean, and found the comparison between the motion of the waves and the beating of my heart. That is when I realized I was in a full state of relaxation. To me, the noises of kids in the hallway outside faded into a nice summer day with seagulls and waves crashing onto the shore.
Lizmarie speaks in front of 450 fellow high school students! Photo by Da Ping Luo
Relaxed, we then went backstage to Marina’s dressing room to get ready. She made us feel like everything was fine and there wasn't anything to worry about. We went onstage and shared our experiences of Goldberg with all 450 students. Then Marina led the same breathing exercise with the whole big group, to calm them down and fully unplug. We were all delighted at how open the other students were to new experiences, especially to the Abramović Method and listening to the Goldberg Variations. Ultimately, when we thought about the capstone project as a whole – the Guide AND working with the student matinee – we realized that unplugging is about being aware of your surroundings, reflecting on yourself, and being in control of who you are.
The pre-show comes to a close. Photo by Da Ping Luo
Please read our Guide to Unplugging, inspired by Goldberg!
This post includes contributions by Cory (Phase I), on the capstone project, and Terrelle (Phase II), on the summer meeting with Marina Abramović.
In order to be fully immersed in Igor Levit & Marina Abramović’s GOLDBERG, we suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the performance in order to complete these required instructions. Step 1. Deposit all personal belongings into your locker including watches, cell phones, cameras, and any other technological devices. Step 2. Take a pair of noise canceling headphones. Find a lounge chair inside the space. Sit down. Find stillness and silence. When you hear the gong, place your headphones on to eliminate distractions. Step 3. When you hear the second gong, remove your headphones. Listen.
