Photo: SP4 John Beard, US Army
A THOUSAND WORDS
In 1969, Chris Parsons served as a combat photographer in Vietnam. Combining his pictures with original music and dance, trombonist C. Neil Parsons recounts tales of danger, resilience, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.
Created & Performed by C. Neil Parsons
Written by Chris Parsons and C. Neil Parsons
Photography by Chris Parsons
Dramaturgy by Megan Phillips
Video Animation & Button Artwork by Ammon EP
Music by Jen Baker, Stefanie Lubkowski, Greg Nahabedian, C. Neil Parsons, and Bahar Royaee.
Produced in Partnership with The First Division Museum, Wheaton, IL
Bill Brewster, Curator
In 1969, Chris Parsons served as a combat photographer in Vietnam. Combining his pictures with original music and dance, trombonist C. Neil Parsons recounts tales of danger, resilience, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.
Created & Performed by C. Neil Parsons
Written by Chris Parsons and C. Neil Parsons
Photography by Chris Parsons
Dramaturgy by Megan Phillips
Video Animation & Button Artwork by Ammon EP
Music by Jen Baker, Stefanie Lubkowski, Greg Nahabedian, C. Neil Parsons, and Bahar Royaee.
Produced in Partnership with The First Division Museum, Wheaton, IL
Bill Brewster, Curator
Photos: Freddie Kelvin
|
|
|
Vietnam photos by Chris parsons, SP4, us army
RESPONSES TO A THOUSAND WORDS
"The photos are inherently moving, aching with loss and tragic resonance for both the lives we see and the deeply troubled time in which they were taken."
- Winnipeg Free Press
"Autobiographical elements are artfully woven into repeated circling back to the combat photographer's visual and verbal impressions. An electronic score accompanies the performer's exhibition of his artistic skills as dancer and trombonist. The musical and choreographic commentary is abstract but emotionally vivid."
- Jay Harvey Upstage
"This very moving performance by C. Neil Parsons is also a very personal one... A fascinating look at the effects of trauma and how it can shape your life."
- The Jenny Revue
"It’s unlikely anyone will forget the tragic beauty of this very personal story of one man that resonates with the loss of thousands."
- Plays With John & Wendy
"Neil’s performance is raw and beautiful, as he gently brings you into both his and his father's life stories as they intertwine... This is a show I feel I need to see again to really digest it. Thank you for being so vulnerable in your art, Neil."
- Winnipeg Fringe Patron Review
"The photos are inherently moving, aching with loss and tragic resonance for both the lives we see and the deeply troubled time in which they were taken."
- Winnipeg Free Press
"Autobiographical elements are artfully woven into repeated circling back to the combat photographer's visual and verbal impressions. An electronic score accompanies the performer's exhibition of his artistic skills as dancer and trombonist. The musical and choreographic commentary is abstract but emotionally vivid."
- Jay Harvey Upstage
"This very moving performance by C. Neil Parsons is also a very personal one... A fascinating look at the effects of trauma and how it can shape your life."
- The Jenny Revue
"It’s unlikely anyone will forget the tragic beauty of this very personal story of one man that resonates with the loss of thousands."
- Plays With John & Wendy
"Neil’s performance is raw and beautiful, as he gently brings you into both his and his father's life stories as they intertwine... This is a show I feel I need to see again to really digest it. Thank you for being so vulnerable in your art, Neil."
- Winnipeg Fringe Patron Review
Photo: Mark Lee
The Fourth Wall explores a new hybrid of the performing arts in which musicians are also dancers and actors. Stretching the boundaries of instrumental performance, The Fourth Wall commissions new interdisciplinary works and reinterprets established repertoire to make music that leaps off the stage.
The "fourth wall" is a theater term pertaining to the imaginary wall at the front of a stage, through which the audience sees the action of a play. Flutist Hilary Abigana, bass trombonist C. Neil Parsons, and percussionist Greg Jukes make it their mission to perform as interpreters and co-creators, to personalize the concert experience and communicate more directly with audiences. Believing they are at the forefront of a movement in classical music to create distinctive interdisciplinary performance experiences, they share their expertise with students and professionals through hybrid arts workshops and masterclasses.
The "fourth wall" is a theater term pertaining to the imaginary wall at the front of a stage, through which the audience sees the action of a play. Flutist Hilary Abigana, bass trombonist C. Neil Parsons, and percussionist Greg Jukes make it their mission to perform as interpreters and co-creators, to personalize the concert experience and communicate more directly with audiences. Believing they are at the forefront of a movement in classical music to create distinctive interdisciplinary performance experiences, they share their expertise with students and professionals through hybrid arts workshops and masterclasses.
Photo: Nino Cocchiarella
The Flute on its Feet
C. Neil Parsons teams up with Juilliard-trained flutist Zara Lawler to perform inventive music upside down, backwards, and on wheels. Creating a new definition of virtuosity that is at once sophisticated and inviting, The Flute on its Feet explores liberation and confinement, isolation and connection, and the age-old question: is it flutist or flautist?
The Flute on its Feet includes TimeFrame, a choreographic reinvention of Luciano Berio’s Sequenza 1 for Solo Flute, Lowell Liebermann's 8 Pieces, and a stunning setting of Telemann's Fantasies.
"[The music is] performed with emotion and clarity by flutist Lawler, while coinciding modern-dance movements are executed with precision by Parsons. These two are highly-trained, well-educated, and accomplished performers, and it shows." - Orlando Sentinel
“Fascinating and engaging.” - New York Times
C. Neil Parsons teams up with Juilliard-trained flutist Zara Lawler to perform inventive music upside down, backwards, and on wheels. Creating a new definition of virtuosity that is at once sophisticated and inviting, The Flute on its Feet explores liberation and confinement, isolation and connection, and the age-old question: is it flutist or flautist?
The Flute on its Feet includes TimeFrame, a choreographic reinvention of Luciano Berio’s Sequenza 1 for Solo Flute, Lowell Liebermann's 8 Pieces, and a stunning setting of Telemann's Fantasies.
"[The music is] performed with emotion and clarity by flutist Lawler, while coinciding modern-dance movements are executed with precision by Parsons. These two are highly-trained, well-educated, and accomplished performers, and it shows." - Orlando Sentinel
“Fascinating and engaging.” - New York Times
Photo: Michael Wheatley
Song and Dance Man
A veritable vaudevillian variety show! In a solo recital like no other, Neil presents an eclectic mix of music, dance, & theatre. Includes new pieces from "Treatise," an ongoing composition/choreography project; Cornelius Cardew's iconic graphic score serves as a guide for original repertoire for solo (dancing) bass trombone.
A veritable vaudevillian variety show! In a solo recital like no other, Neil presents an eclectic mix of music, dance, & theatre. Includes new pieces from "Treatise," an ongoing composition/choreography project; Cornelius Cardew's iconic graphic score serves as a guide for original repertoire for solo (dancing) bass trombone.