The 15 month journey led to a six-part series of works, 11 performances, 3 full performance scores, a two-week street performance tour on a bicycle, a piece of sonic art, and a short documentary.
Based on the philosophies of durational performance practices, the creation of “Mind like an open songbook,” began in September 2019. The process of creation was intentionally open-ended, with each passing hour, day, and month adding another layer to the evolving work.
This series explored the themes of cycling/travel, cycles, transformation, and perseverance, being loosely based on a 17 day bicycle trip I had done years ago. It was an ode to change and the passage of time, blending poetry, movement, and contemporary actions.
Working on the sonic art piece allowed me to collaborate with sound engineer Robbie Gunn which added another layer of depth and emotion to this ever-evolving production.
MIND LIKE AN OPEN SONGBOOK 2024
The journey continues!
‘Mind Like an Open Songbook’ is back on the road!
The original ‘Mind Like an Open Songbook’-series told the story of a bicycle trip through northen Europe through different iterations on the theme.
Now, 3 years later, the themes of time, cycles, ends and beginnings are on my lips again, when we prepare to present ‘Mind Like an Open Songbook’ as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Street Events programme.
True to the nature of the series, where each new iteration built on the shoulders of the last one, we are taking the performance to new grounds, by allowing the piece to morph once again.
A lot has changed in 3 years, but there will still be sand, glitter, poetry, and bicycles. Meditation and melodic ambient music might make an appearence as something new.
The show will be on from the 16th to the 22nd of August, on the streets of Edinburgh!
Anna Tiia Sorjonen 