Ayer Collection 0041

Stills from Relâche: a Piece for Dogs

Erik Satie interpreted by the Neoteric Ensemble

Recording by Panda Kroll and Larry Nordstrom

VHS tape

55' 40"

April 1986

Image © 1986 the Neoteric Ensemble

Collection of David and Rebecca Ayer

These are representative samples from one of the two video tapes known to have been made at the performance. Each is annotated with the scene it appears in according to the stage directions. Liberties were taken throughout the performance, and there was plenty of cleanup required afterwards.

Tableau: Tim lights the candles

Tim joins Dr. Reeves at the piano

The Woman examines the Decor

Tableau: the Banquet

Tableau: the Banquet gets old

Grand Old Men

Testimonial: Dean Langston

Testimonial: Joel Davel

Men in Hats, background and foreground

Testimonial: Dave Ayer

Testimonial: Kurt Stallmann

The Woman sits...and smokes

A Toast!

Farewell, Satie! Jim Slenger

Satie's proposition

Dance of the Revolving Door

Page turn: Dance of the Revolving Door

Page turned

The Woman at the Door

Enter Men

Dance of the Woman

Dr. Robert Reeves, piano I

Piano I

The Orchestra assembles

Entr'Acte film credits

Entr'Acte: Satie and Clair put one over on the audience

The Orchestra begins

The Orchestra: Kurt on keyboard

The Orchestra: Joel on mallet percussion

The Orchestra: Steve on guitar

The Orchestra: find Betsy Start, cello

The Orchestra: Joe Pinzarrone, piano II

The Orchestra: Becky Ayer, viola

The Orchestra: Carol and Dave

Tim doubles on bass, with Jim on guitar in background

Act II: the Men return

The Woman poses the Men

We are the Posed Men

Satie and the Woman dance

Steve busses the Table

Dance of the Wheelbarrow

Exeunt Men

The Dance of the Crown

The Elvis curtain call

Applause?

Jefe Pinzarrone inspects the damage

Wayward videographer Panda Kroll

Yet more applause?

Dr. Reeves and Tim tear down

The Men's dressing room

Alumni sightings: Brett Hamilton

Alumni sightings: Robert(o) Mendell

Steve heads out

Camera One