Friday, September 12, 2008
The University of Kansas will present an artist’s touring performance on the events after Sept. 11 tonight.
Laurie Anderson, an artist who weaves politics and a theme of stories into her performances, will present “Homeland,” a performance inspired by the events of Sept. 11, tonight at the Lied Center. The show explores how the places people live and the stories they hear affect their self-image.
Anderson employs a combination of song, speech, musical instruments and electronics in her performances. She said that she didn’t consider herself a performance artist, but that the title helped show that her work didn’t fit into just one category.
“I’m trying to tell stories in a bit of a different way,” Anderson said.
“Homeland” addresses the way the country has changed since Sept. 11. Anderson said she felt civil liberties were being challenged and important societal issues were not being discussed.
Although “Homeland” questions how geography affects a person’s self-image, the show doesn’t provide any answers. Anderson said she didn’t like being told what to think, and didn’t want to tell others what to think either.
“My job as an artist is to make vivid images,” Anderson said.
Anderson said “Homeland” was one-third politics, one-third “strange dreams” and one-third pure music. She said the audience would end up analyzing the art.
“It’s not a show where you just, like, turn it on, get entertained, and turn it off,” Anderson said.
The upcoming elections are full of stories of the past, present and future of politicians, according to Anderson. She said stories such as those played a large role in society and people were constantly evaluating them.
Reality is something Anderson tries to depict in her shows. She said she didn’t want to describe things as she hoped they would be, but rather as they were — complicated and lacking a definitive plot.
Tim Van Leer, executive director of the Lied Center, said that many people in Lawrence were familiar with Anderson’s work, but that this performance would introduce her to an even wider audience.
He originally wanted her show to fall on the anniversary of Sept. 11, but said it worked better to have the show on the 12th. Anderson spoke about her work at the Spencer Museum of Art on the 11th instead.
Saralyn Reece Hardy, director of the museum, said Anderson’s ability to work with such a wide variety of media made her unique.
“She’s a rare artistic presence,” Reece Hardy said.
Anderson will perform “Homeland” at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets can be bought for $13.
— — Edited by Arthur Hur
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