rachel epperly
composer-performer / improviser / performance artist
"Girly!" is a performance art composition/a fake ad for a Real Girl Barbie. Borrowing from the musical tropes of 90s Barbie ads, the Real Girl Barbie (myself) oscillates between identifying with the outdated norms she is programmed to sell (ditching school for the mall, being bad at math, having her life fulfilled by Ken) and feeling discomfort towards them. Eventually, she malfunctions, inhabiting gender norms to a disturbing degree.
Performed in 2017 at So Percussion Summer Institute and at the Midwest Composers' Conference.
"Girly!" is a performance art composition/a fake ad for a Real Girl Barbie. Borrowing from the musical tropes of 90s Barbie ads, the Real Girl Barbie (myself) oscillates between identifying with the outdated norms she is programmed to sell (ditching school for the mall, being bad at math, having her life fulfilled by Ken) and feeling discomfort towards them. Eventually, she malfunctions, inhabiting gender norms to a disturbing degree.
Performed in 2017 at So Percussion Summer Institute and at the Midwest Composers' Conference.
ABOUT
"Letter to my body" is a collection of affirmations written by me for my body. I crafted these affirmations specifically for the release of religious trauma, which has contributed to the restriction of my expression, senses, and creativity. Repeating the affirmations in this song helps me work towards a release of these restrictions stored deep in my body, which are visually represented by the red fabric I unravel from my body over the course of the performance.
LIVE VIDEO
LYRICS
You can stop holding on
You have grown and the danger is gone
You can stop folding yourself in
Even when eyes are staring at you
You can stop turning your head
The world behind you will take care of itself
You can stop clenching your mouth
Your words are blessings, not sins
You can stop listening for the threat
Listen instead to the sound of your breath
You can stop changing your eyes
Smile only when your smile is true
You can stop hating what you’re fed
Nourishment is part of the healing
And you can stop running away
You are home and home is you