The Contempt Project is a continuation of American Studies: Specific Voices/Public Domain, begun as an exhibition in 1992, and continuing through a series of performances based on authentic recordings of significant historical, political, and cultural value. 

Contempt uses transcripts and recording of courtroom confrontations surrounding the 1969-70 trial of the Chicago 8/7 for conspiracy to riot during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. A theatrical reenactment of the November 5th sentencing of Bobby Seale for contempt is used as the fundamental sound material for a system of digital processing touchpads that sample, splice, transpose and alter the dialog in real time. This system is “performed” as if by a court stenographer. 

Several narrators and improvising musicians form a “chorus” to witness and expand the texture.

Performers
David Means, vinyl sampling and live processing
Homer Lambrecht, laptop
Randall Davidson, cello

Join us for a remarkable evening which uses music to engage history.

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Free and open to all (although we will seek donations for the musicians)