MURDER BALLAD 1938
With a murky mix of desire, jealousy and emancipatory yearning, Poor Dog Group's movement-based work gives forceful physical life to Jelly Roll Morton's legendary 1938 recording. Originally performed in the brothels of New Orleans’ steamy Storyville district, Morton's song revels in the nastiness of its heroine’s voice, whose feral physical energy lays claim to the violent impulses of a woman betrayed. The Murder Ballad delves into the myth of female madness and racialized representations of sexuality.
The Murder Ballad 1938 was presented as part of the 2015 Spring Season at REDCAT.
- Created by Poor Dog Group
- Music by Jelly Roll Morton
- Produced by Poor Dog Group in partnership with REDCAT
- Performed by Jessica Emmanuell and Jesse Saler
- Direction by Jesse Bonnell
- Scenic Design by Efren Delgadillo
- Sound Design by Andrew Gilbert
- Lighting Design by Adam Hunter
- Sound Engineering by Martin Gimenez