TASK (2020 - )
An ongoing series of tasks to complete
TASK is a collection of scenarios that present commonplace physical/perceptual acts in odd, challenging, and paradoxical lights. For instance, give this a try…attempt to get out of your chair as normally as possible without making a
single sound. You may have found that the mundane act of standing becomes frustratingly difficult when coupled with this goal. The micro-posturing necessary to maintain silence is foregrounded as we unnaturally slow our actions
and inconspicuously redistribute our weight. When the inevitable failures (involuntary tremors, micro-movements) inherent in this task occur, fragile blips and unstable sounds arise from a tensely energetic silence. Physical processes
normally operating outside consciousness become amplified. These pieces can be performed by anyone interested in attempting them (most require no performance experience). Performances do not necessarily need to be documented through recording, filming, photography, writing, etc. (although they certainly can be), as personal experience and reflection upon one's perception is the main intent. If you do wish to document and/or share your experience, please get in touch with me at ryan@ryancarraher.com
Click the titles below to view/download scores.
I: STAND, for at least three performers, chairs, + collections of suspended objects
II: THRESHOLD, for amplified surface/(s)
III: STRETCH, for at least one voice
IV: SIMULSCRIBE, for at least one performer
V: EAT, for at least one performer, a head of crisp lettuce, + amplification
VI: JAM, for at least one performer, an unfamiliar instrument, + a local jam session
VII: PUSH::POP::STACK, for at least one performer with a collection of objects
VIII: TODAY.NEVER.HAPPENED. [or "Ode to Futility" or...whatever], a private activity
IX: LEXICON, a private activity
X: JUMP-SCARE, for at least one bowed string instrument + audio file
XI: TODAY.NEVER.HAPPENED.II. [or "Channeling Bukowski"], a private activity + a call for scores/proposals opportunity
XII: [p]REpOSITION, a private activity
XIII: ROSETTA, for a group of performers + invented language
XIV: PHASE, for amplified audience
XV: INTERRUPT, for one knowing participant + at least one unknowing participant
XVI: AFTER SEDARIS, a dishonest social situation
XVII: BUKOWSKI III, an ephemeral collaboration
XVIII: AFTER ODELL, for iNaturalist app, tour guide, + participants
XIX: OBSERVE/REPORT, a social situation
XX: WHATEVER IT TAKES, a group of participants, a TikTok account, + a locked warehouse
XXI: AS I SAY, for at least three performers who all speak different languages
XXII: PAGE 3, for any number of speaking performers, laptops, + projectors
XXIII: SPEECH ROULETTE, for solo speaker, public database, + speech reversing app
XXIV: LOOK WHAT I CAN('t?) DO!, for any number of performers + video
XXV: NEAR, for any number of participants with whistles
XXVI: YOUR FAILURE IS MY PROTECTION, for two performers, a confession, + speech reversing app
XXVII: CROWD, for participants with cell phones