Meredith Monk, who has been described by the New York Times as "one of America's most brilliant and unclassifiable theatrical artists," will be the next featured performer in the Yale Repertory Theatre Special Events Series. She will appear in concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, in the University Theatre, 222 York St.
A composer, singer, filmmaker and director/choreographer, Ms. Monk is a pioneer in what is now called "extended vocal technique" and "interdisciplinary performance."
In describing her work, she says: "In a sense, I think of myself as a vocal archaeologist, trying to dig down to the most fundamental human utterances, the most elemental forms. By exploring the musical potential of the voice -- the original human instrument -- I have the possibility of unearthing many colors, textures, characters, landscapes and impulses within it."
Ms. Monk has made 10 recordings and many films, including "Book of Days" and "Ellis Island," which won the CINE Golden Eagle Award. Her opera, "Atlas," toured both the United States and Europe. During her career, Ms. Monk has won numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Brandeis Creative Arts Award, three Obies (including an award for Sustained Achievement), the 1986 National Music Theater Award and 16 ASCAP Awards for Musical Composition.
Her Yale performance, "Meredith Monk in Concert," will feature selections from her work between 1971 and 1993, including "Songs from the Hill," an exploration of the voice as an instrument.
Tickets for "Meredith Monk in Concert" are $22 for the general public, $19 for Yale Rep members and $10 for students with I.D. For more information, or to charge tickets by phone, call the Yale Rep box office at 432-1234.