Message from your neighbor
Message from your Neighbor presents a cubist story where speech and performance are in dialogue with sound.
A multi-layered conversation between a bride, a neighbor community and a phone answering machine. It combines surrealism, humor and drama - all glued by glimpses of a recomposed Somethin' Stupid by Frank Sinatra that appears in the background from time to time.
The work plays with the superficiality and deepness in human relations. What is a real friend? Are your neighbors your friends or are they just pretending?
type
narrative piece /
wedding piece
Premiered in Switzerland in the context of kollekTive_fiktioN and performed in Boswil, Bern and Basel on December 2022
formation
big speaking ensemble, text performer & electronics
duration
15min
year
2022
composition, script, music
gemma ragués
performance
latenz ensemble, gemma ragués
Commissioned by Latenz Ensemble
Pictures by Martin Obrist
Dear neighbors,
Allow me to introduce myself as the President of the community but, beyond all, I speak to you as your neighbor and very close friend.
For over 10 years, we have been enjoying each others company in the corridor, laundry room and backyard. And, by the way, what a beautiful backyard we have.
As the President, neighbor, but over all, as your very close friend, it is a pleasure to announce to you that my wedding will take place
next December in the backyard (if you would agree).
You will be my guests of honor.
Greetings,
Your President, neighbor and beyond all, your very close friend
script excerpt by Gemma Ragués, all rights reserved
