“Crackpot modernists and cartooning Michelangelos.” “Debussy meets Godzilla.” “A multimedia troupe of infinite jest with an imagination to match.”
That is how the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, and Th New York Times have described Squonk, an internationally acclaimed multimedia troupe setting up shop this week at Chautauqua Institution for the Week Seven sesquicentennial celebration. Their multi-day residency kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Amphitheater — not Bestor Plaza, as was the initial plan. Even with the chance of inclement weather shifting the performance venue, Squonk still has a lot of “Brouhaha” (the name of their newest show) in store.
According to Squonk’s website, “Brouhaha” is “an immersive outdoor spectacle bursting with rollicking music, dazzling imagery, and the thrill of audience participation.” At the center of the performance is the Squonkcordion, an super-sized musical instrument designed specifically to be played by members of the audience.
Sunday’s show is the first of three Squonk programs this week. The troupe will host a Street Puppet Workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Monday on Bestor Plaza, and will present a repeat performance of “Brouhaha” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Amp immediately following the Old First Night celebration.
The troupe, which has been touring internationally since 2003, is led by composer Jackie Dempsey and artist Steve O’Hearn accompanied by an ensemble of anywhere from 10 to 20 artists.
Squonk has played on three continents and in 35 U.S. states, for over 1 million people live, and for over 14 million on network TV — in addition to teaching workshops, directing collaborative creations, and hosting residencies at over 100 universities, middle schools, and museums all over the United States.
Squonk, on its website, states that the troupe’s goal is to “create work that is fast, funny, shameless, and inclusive: an art that will include the cheap thrills of a monster truck show, as well as the fragile beauty of the hothouse flowers created in artist lofts.”
In other words, fun for every member of the family.
