Grad Piece Debreif: Speaking of Rape
At this Wednesday's Student Composer Concert Mel premiered her grad composition "Speaking of Rape", a very personal piece on a very heavy topic. We were lucky enough to catch up with Mel after the concert to hear more about her piece and ask some questions.
For people who didn’t get to see it, can you explain what your piece is?
"Essentially, the sound art piece Speaking of Rape is a compilation of stories of sexual assault that are broadcast over loudspeakers. I built it from anonymous contributions of texts that detail not only what happened to their authors, but how it affected them, and what effects getting assaulted had on them short and long term. In other words, the piece is a space for people of all genders and ages to express experiences that are otherwise silenced.
The recordings of these texts come from volunteers who lent their voice to further protect the anonymity of the authors, and create a semblance of a safe space. Its therefore fundamentally a piece that relies on community to exist."
The recordings of these texts come from volunteers who lent their voice to further protect the anonymity of the authors, and create a semblance of a safe space. Its therefore fundamentally a piece that relies on community to exist."
Why did you decide to compose this piece, and what does it mean to you?
"Speaking of Rape comes directly from my experience recovering from rape. From the moment I realized the word ‘rape’ applied to what happened, I talked about it, to try to understand. And a common response was « Me too »… These stories that I heard became both pillars of validation and of will power. And I keep hearing them, and they keep motivating me to do something.
More than anything, I am pissed off that not only people get raped, but then they are reduced to silence afterwards. Its the ultimate insult upon injury. This piece is my response to that, and to the systems that allow rape to happen and punish the victims instead of the perpetrators."
More than anything, I am pissed off that not only people get raped, but then they are reduced to silence afterwards. Its the ultimate insult upon injury. This piece is my response to that, and to the systems that allow rape to happen and punish the victims instead of the perpetrators."
How do you feel now that the piece is done? Did you get the impact you hoped for?
"It is very hard to put words to the answer of this question. The creation of this piece was an overwhelmingly intense experience, and its premiere was, as far as I know from the feedback I’ve received, just as intense. I am currently processing the responses to the piece, as well as winding down from the energy that sustained me throughout this term.
This piece is very complex, and every audience member’s reaction will be unique. Speaking of « impact » seems inappropriate, because the piece is a sort of journey. It takes its audience to places in their own minds that are rarely visited, and to events external to their experience that are a deep undercurrent of many people’s daily lives. And thus, this piece is setting a wheel in motion. It’s not an end, its more of a beginning. A question, an invitation."
This piece is very complex, and every audience member’s reaction will be unique. Speaking of « impact » seems inappropriate, because the piece is a sort of journey. It takes its audience to places in their own minds that are rarely visited, and to events external to their experience that are a deep undercurrent of many people’s daily lives. And thus, this piece is setting a wheel in motion. It’s not an end, its more of a beginning. A question, an invitation."
THE FLOOR IS OPEN!...
Mel has asked that we open the floor up for questions, comments, concerns, etc., so feel free to comment below or if you prefer, email Mel directly at [email protected]. All emails to Mel directly are confidential and private.
A big thanks to Mel for sharing with us!
A big thanks to Mel for sharing with us!