One of the most unique and influential artists of our time, Meredith Monk is a composer, singer, director, choreographer, filmmaker and creator that has devoted her life to exploring the potential of the human voice. A pioneer of extended vocal technique and interdisciplinary art, she weaves together new modes of perception to expand the boundaries of music, performance and installation. This living legend returns to the Armory with her latest creation, an immersive work that is part performance, part installation, inspired by Indra’s Net, a parable that illustrates life’s interconnectedness.
In the ancient Buddhist/Hindu legend, an enlightened king, Indra, stretches a large net across the universe with an infinitely faceted jewel placed at each intersection. Each jewel is unique yet reflects all the others, illuminating the interdependence of all living things. Following an initial concert performance of the work at Mills College in 2021, this monumental creation receives a full production in its highly anticipated North American premiere. Monk, together with members of her extraordinary Vocal Ensemble, a sixteen-piece chamber orchestra and an additional eight-member chorus, offers an interplay of music, movement and architecture to embody celestial, earthly and human realms through sound, video and performance. The resulting production serves as a beacon to affirm life and a sense of connection to each other and all living things in our contemporary world.
