Now for the technicalities:
Proposed title: Statehouse
Type of work: Free standing
Size: approx. 3x3x3 feet
Technical requirements: Access to power outlet; will provide extension cords, etc.
Sound: Yes, no headphones
Short summary:
“Statehouse” would be structured similar to a dollhouse and would stand freely on the floor. Opening doors and windows of the house would trigger soundbites and lights to go off, featuring comments made by various inflammatory state figures. The figures, including, Gov. Mark Sanford, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Attorney General Henry McMaster and others, would perhaps cycle through a number of different phrases when interacted with.
Full summary:
Recent events have illuminated significant dysfunction between members of the state Legislature, among them Gov. Sanford, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Henry McMaster, Bobby Harrell and Joe Wilson. Revelations of Sanford's affair with an Argentine woman as well as various unnecessary travel expenses he incurred, have brought the wrath of not only the public, but individuals within Sanford's own party struggling to save face in spite of Sanford's ever-controversial decisions.
Verbal sparring between Sanford and Bauer has led to Sanford calling Bauer gay, Bauer's calling for Sanford's resignation and public support of his impeachment. Bauer has gone as far as to say that he would not run for governor after Sanford's term expired if Sanford was forced to resign.
“Statehouse” would cast these interactions in a comical, immature light by caricaturing five or so different state legislatures, including Sanford and Bauer, within the house.The piece would stand freely in the floor to suggest the idea of children playing with a dollhouse. It would be approximately 3x3x3 feet. Sound and light would be triggered by motion: an individual opening doors or windows would trigger various actors inside the house to shout phrases such as “She's my soul mate,” or “You lie.” Lights may also be triggered to illuminate the scenes within the house. The narrative of the figures may cycle though three or so different clips.
If available, samples of the politicians actual voices would be used in the audio. However, if audio could not be found, quotations from news articles for each character would be recorded and used, such as Sanford's calling Bauer gay or Harrell calling for Sanford's resignation. Also, clips from Sanford's press conference following his return from Argentine may be used.
The goal of this piece would be to demonstrate the immature nature of South Carolina's government. The public and the media may also be represented in the piece, not with any particular sound bites, but with the sort of indiscernible ruckus common to those mouthpieces.
Image: It will look a lot like a dollhouse. Or a mini Statehouse.
