Psychedelic, dramatic, melancholy, beautiful: "The Elliott Smith Project," which plays Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Spiegeltent is many things. Uplifting isn't one of them.
The theatrical song cycle based on the singer/songwriter's posthumously released album, "From a Basement on the Hill," features two vocalists who utilize small cabaret tables and the stage of the round tent. The three musicians, who play guitar, ukulele, violin, bass and piano, are stationed in different booths that run the perimeter.
All the while a video artist moves through the audience (also seated at cabaret tables on the teak dance floor) and the performers, projecting the images she captures onto a screen.
"The Elliott Smith Project" will make you feel uneasy. It will disturb you. It will haunt you.
Tickets are $25.
Check out my story, which includes interviews with director Daniel Fish, in the upcoming issue of Enjoy!
(Bard College photo by Joanne Savio)
