Rape: A Woman's Perspective

Description

Rape: A Woman’s Perspective is a musical performance piece for voice (mezzo-soprano) and six instrumentalists who speak sometimes, rarely sing, and mostly play flute, steel pan, keyboards (piano and digital keyboard), violin, bass, and drum set with other percussion. Oboe can substitute for flute and vibraphone or orchestral bells can substitute for steel pan.

Percussion instruments are drum set (cymbals plus snare, tom, and bass drums), woodblock, cowbell, marktree, guiro, and gong. A percussion legend is included.

The composition expresses anger, terror, and other emotions and moods, ending in a strong empowerment section. Performers have the option to create their own text in some sections. Rape: A Woman’s Perspective is the composer’s response to the perpetuation of sexual violence and patriarchal myths of rape that continue to this day.

A powerful work, Rape: A Woman’s Perspective is designed for special events to raise awareness about violence against girls and women, and for fundraisers to support organizations that provide services for girls and women. Although sexual violence affects all genders, it’s primarily females, presenting or identifying, cis and trans, who have been harmed by this violence.

Because of the intensity of this composition, it’s important to carefully program it with other artistic expressions that are calming and nurturing for the audience. Our November 2023 Santa Fe fundraiser ¡Time for Affirmative Consent! included actors in a play excerpt, poets and their poetry, speakers from nonprofits that offer support services, short videos, and choreographers/dancers who moved to gentle music.

Because the performance of Rape: A Woman’s Perspective may trigger uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or memories, it's important to inform potential players and audiences in advance about the sensitive nature of the composition. We recommend designating a Quiet Space at performances, telling attendees it's ok to leave the performance at any time, and providing handouts with hotline numbers and resource information.

Performance time from 12 to 14 minutes. Score (33 pages) and 7 parts. Medium to Advanced.

“I was really affected by the show and music, and the courage it must take to participate in a performance on a difficult, personal subject. This performance will work on you, and what you think you know, long afterwards.” –Dennis Kensil

“I was not expecting the power of the performance. I also did not expect that a topic like sexual violence would be faced so complexly through art. This important, necessary work forces us to reflect. It makes you more vulnerable, but it softens your heart.” –Aileen El-Kadi

Audio/Page Samples (if available)

Catalog:	25110100
Publisher:	Sandscape Publications
Composer:	Morris, Valarie
Artist:
Arranger:
More Info:
Voicing:	Chamber Septet
Level:	Medium Advanced
Pages:

Table of Contents: