Photograph by Kristofer Buckle
IMITATION OF LIFE
In Imitation of Life, Galás will transform classic jazz standards and French ballads about the thrill and pain of romantic love into haunting elegies to Eros. The set of chosen songs draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek meaning of desire – an ambivalent state of being combining both the sweet and the bitter. Accompanied by her own ominous piano, the dark queen of extended technique will deliver an unforgettable set of songs, ranging from lovers’ blind fascination to carnivorous desire. “Love is akin to the courtship of the female praying mantis who, right after mating, devours the male’s brain matter,” says Galás. “It is an obsession that prevails in the face of despair. Ending it is too painful to contemplate, though not to digest.” Both concerts will include different selections of songs made famous by Judy Garland and Nancy Wilson (Never Will I Marry), Earl Grant (Imitation of Life), Chet Baker (The Thrill Is Gone and You Don’t Know What Love Is), Ronnie Earl (A Soul That’s Been Abused), Jacques Brel (La chanson des vieux amants), Juliette Greco (Amours perdues and Bonjour tristesse), Edith Piaf (Padam, Padam), and Marlene Dietrich (Je m’ennuie), among others. It will also include selections from Galas’ upcoming compilation of tragic, homicidal love songs, Guilty Guilty Guilty, to be released by Mute UK on the Day of the Dead (November 1, 2007), such as Ralph Stanley's haunting O Death (The Reaper's Love Song), O. V. Wright’s Eight Men and Four Women, and the classic Autumn Leaves. Diamanda Galás’ Imitation of Life will take place at the Highline Ballroom on August 6th and 12th, 2007 at 8pm. The Highline Ballroom is located at 431 W 16th St. (between 9th and 10th Avenues). Tickets are $30. To order tickets, please call (212) 414-5994 or visit www.highlineballroom.com.