A 24-Decade History of Popular Music: 1846-1856
Whitman vs. Foster: Songs Popular Near the Breaking Point
Photo: Miriam Alarcón Avila
Taylor Mac (who uses “judy,” lowercase sic, not as a name but as a gender pronoun) is a playwright, actor, singer-songwriter, performance artist, director and producer. Hancher co-commissioned Taylor Mac's ambitious A 24-Decade History of Popular Music, in which each decade between 1776 and 2016 is represented as a one hour cabaret-style show. On December 5, Taylor Mac performed the 1846-1856 decade, Whitman vs. Foster: Songs Popular Near the Breaking Point, at E.C. Mabie Theatre. Judy chose this decade because it coincided with when Iowa became a state (1846), and when the University of Iowa was founded (1847). Taylor Mac expanded the decade to be an evening-length work that called upon the audience as participants and collaborators.
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Susan and I thought that Taylor Mac was terrific. His outfit was worth the show. He is an amazing performance artist. We did not know what to expect. I should note that those who are not fans of fans of Walt Whitman may be offended. This is clearly not a show for everyone.
Gene Savin
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Ever since my daughters (ages 21 and 14) and I attended Saturday night's happening with judy, we feel transformed. As a native NYC-er, I have been to many performance pieces, musical theatre, art, and cutting edge performances and can honestly say that Taylor's event was truly profound for each of us. Judy was able to bring the audience to many different levels of awareness, create powerful community with words, issues buried and uncoverings, and pull our consciences to a more positive place. On top of all this judy IS a top-notch musician, as are the band members. Taylor entertained us with compassion, honestly, hilarity, and irreverence. It was an event that I doubt I will ever forget. We are thrilled to make the journey to New York City for the 24 hour concert in 2016. Thank you to Hancher for being so on top of what we all needed—Taylor Mac's inspiration to elevate us to be activists in whatever way we can!
Karen Charney
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Amazing performer. Thoroughly thought provoking and entertaining evening. Thanks for bringing in someone who pushes the boundaries a bit.
Mary Adamek
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I learned and laughed and I was touched by the performance. I really hope we get to see him again in Iowa City. I could not believe his show wasn't sold out. I'd have watched him for hours, and I certainly want to go to NY to see his 24-hour performance. Please bring him again!
Manuela Cretella
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Taylor is a sublime artist: a beautiful agitator who invites the audience to feel and think.
Can't wait to see more. Bring judy back immediately!
Scott Bradley
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Inspired juxtaposition of Whitman and Foster. Challenging. Humorous. Great band. Wonderful takes on the songs and the closing Whitman was memorably done.
David Rust
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