The Commission (1983) [N/A]

Release Date:
January 1, 1983

Original Title:
The Commission

Production Companies:
National Endowment for the Arts
New Mexico Arts Division

Production Countries:
United States of America

Ratings / Certifications:
 N/A

Runtime: 45

This work is Woody's first entry into the narrative sphere, whereby the "story" is continually undermined with the aid of various anti-narrative strategies: In each of the eleven segments of this "electronic opera", different effects are used. Fascinated with the remarkable personality of infamous violinist Niccola Paganini and his complicated relationship to Hector Berlioz (played by artists Ernie Gusella and Robert Ashley, respectively), the author meditates over the intricacies of artistic geniality as connected not only with fame but also with the necessity of painful survival under the pressures of the art market.

Additional information:

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Camera Operator:
Steina Vasulka

Director:
Woody Vasulka

Editor:
Peter Kirby

Effects Supervisor:
Jeff Schier

Writer:
Ernest Gusella
Robert Ashley

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