Epiphanic

a work in progress exploring the sudden and unintended experiences we feel when we are unexpectedly hit with intuitive/unlearned understanding.

Concept
Epiphanic is a new multimedia work that uses sound, light, psychology and storytelling to explore the sudden and unintended experiences people feel when unexpectedly hit with intuitive understanding. By interviewing and collecting personal stories from multigenerational community members (from children to senior citizens), the goal of the piece is to explore those “A-ha!”, “OMG”, or “WTF” moments that happen in our lives when we suddenly comprehend what was previously incomprehensible, or when we briefly touch the impossible.

The goal of Epiphanic is to create a live artistic setting that allows us to briefly shift attention away from ourselves and simply contemplate the moral beauty of others -ultimately to create an awareness that our own identities are always in relation to larger systems of life.

Description
The piece incorporates live musicians, an electroacoustic soundtrack, audio stories from multigenerational community members, field recordings, lights, and live projected images. These elements combine to create a multi-sensory experience that explores the ephemeral nature of epiphanic moments.

Audience members will be immersed in a theatrical setting, where audio stories of people sharing epiphanic moments will intertwine with live video projections and evocative lighting. Each story will be accompanied by a unique “song” that includes voice, movement, and a sound score capturing the raw, guttural sounds that humans make during these transformative experiences.

Approach
Epiphanic is an inter-generational-community-driven project. The stories and thematic material are built from the various people interviewed and stories that are collected. The stories and situations that are captured will create the structure and direction of the piece. As a teaching artist I have made deep connections with local communities that have agreed to take part in this project.

Impact
Results from the World Happiness Report shows that Americans are becoming less happy. This is alarmingly true with the downward decline in happiness of our youth, especially teens. With so many things pulling us into our personal shells (social media, cell phones, AI, and anxiety), Epiphanic responds to the crises of individualism, of excessive self-focus, loneliness, and the cynicisms of our times. Ultimately, it aims to foster an awareness that our individual identities are inherently interconnected with broader systems of existence.

By immersing ourselves in their stories and experiences, we momentarily step away from our own perspectives and are reminded of the moral beauty of others. This fosters an awareness that our identities are constantly intertwined with larger systems of life.

In an era characterized by the isolating effects of social media, cell phones, artificial intelligence, and technology, I believe this project can contribute to psychological, social, and civic cohesion.

-Edward Schocker

Epiphanic is made possible through the Musical Grant Program, which is administered by InterMusic SF, and supported by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation.”