Constance DeJong, Jessica Hagedorn, Carl Hancock Rux, and Matvei Yankelevich of Ugly Duckling Presse

Literature at The Kitchen

On View: April 30-April 30, 2021

This Video Viewing Room features recordings of selected performances and events by four artists who have presented literature or language-based programming at The Kitchen between 1976 and the present day: Constance DeJong, Jessica Hagedorn, Carl Hancock Rux, and Matvei Yankelevich of Ugly Duckling Presse. These videos appear alongside images and ephemera from The Kitchen’s archive and an introductory text that sheds light on the origins of The Kitchen’s Literature Series.

This presentation is co-organized by Alison Burstein, Curator, Media and Engagement, and artist Constance DeJong. In conjunction with this Video Viewing Room, a livestream event “Literature at The Kitchen: A Roundtable with Constance DeJong, Jessica Hagedorn, Carl Hancock Rux, and Matvei Yankelevich” took place on May 4, 2021.

Written and told by Constance DeJong. Lucy’s Music by Philip Glass. Played by Kenny Deifik, harmonica.

Video by Tony Oursler, text but Constance DeJong.

Hagedorn and The Gangster Choir performed the song included above, Tenement Lover, as part of the performance event.

Performed by Urban Bush Women, Pyeng Threadgill, Thought Music, and the Dirty Tones Band. Color, sound, 11 minutes, 3 seconds excerpt of 40 minute video. Courtesy of Urban Bush Women.

Writer: Carl Hancock Rux. Performers: Carl Hancock Rux, Valerie Winborne, Helga Davis, and Jason Finkelman. Director: Talvin Wilks. Lighting designer: Darren W. McCroon. Vocal arrangements by Toshi Reagon.

Featuring Anne Boyer, Anna Moschovakis, and Simone White. 16 minutes, 2 seconds excerpt of 53 minute program. Videography by Iki Nakagawa.