“We live in the age of the sound bite,” says local writer Sean O’Neal. “Your existence can be summed up in 30 seconds and replayed ad infinitum.” At a time when even the most media-wary of us have found ourselves glued to the tube, these words strike a chord.
O’Neal’s new multimedia play is on the lineup for No Dead Air, an upcoming infotainment extravaganza. The play, Two-Tiered Greek Tragedy, is sardonically billed as “an honest portrayal of your average four-TV nuclear family.” Following the play, Austin-based artists Chris Skinner and Catherine Shive will present media manipulation videos. Also featured are vintage 16mm educational films from local collector Chad A, live music, and installation art.
The event is sponsored by How + Why, a group of local and visiting performing information artists who flippantly promise that No Dead Air will “appeal to your demographic.”
No Dead Air will take place at 9pm, December 16, at the Blue Theater (www.bluetheater.com), 916 Springdale. The How + Why can be contacted only through an automated e-mail bot at howandwhy@meowmail.com.
This article appears in December 14 • 2001.