under: went – Jessica Wagner and Mike McCormick

February 17, 2023 7:30 PM and February 18, 2023, 2 PM Black Box Theatre, The Orange Hub (10045 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB) Tickets

under: went event image

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Friday, February 17, 7:30 PM and Saturday, February 18, 2 PM (The Orange Hub Black Box Theatre): Soprano Jessica Wagner and composer/ sound artist Mike McCormick perform under: went – a Canada Council commissioned new work focusing on the artists’ experiences with mental health crises. This event is free, with donations gratefully accepted. Seating is limited, so reservations recommended.

Please note – this performance is not suitable for all ages. Please read content warning below.

Soprano Jessica Wagner and artist/programmer Mike McCormick are a performing duo dedicated to creating and presenting new works that broach complex themes within the context of contemporary music performance. Drawing on their diverse experience within a variety of music genres and their personal friendship that has lasted over a decade, their collaboration allows them to use the vocabulary of contemporary music to explore taboo or challenging subject matter in a way that challenges and expands the definition of “virtuosic” performance.

under: went 

Content Warning – This performance explores mental health issues experienced by the artists, and includes depictions of suicidal ideation and a depressive episode which may be triggering for some. The performance will be followed by a panel discussion addressing the thematic material of the piece; this discussion may provide solace for some while being triggering for others.

In a moment of hysteria and extreme desperation while living in Oslo, Norway, Mike McCormick approached a river running through the city and considered drowning himself in it. Before doing so, he began recording a voice memo with his phone so as to capture his thoughts in that moment and leave behind a message. Thankfully, Mike survived this experience and this recording stands as a document of his extreme emotional state. In under: went, excerpts from this recording form one half of a dialogue with soprano Jessica Wagner in an attempt to explore the candid reality of depression, a condition that touches everyone (directly or indirectly) but is still difficult for many to discuss.

Artist photo Mike McCormick and Jessica Wagner.
Mike McCormick and Jessica Wagner. Credit Emil Vestre.
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