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Taylor Mac's A 24-Decade History of Popular Music


  • Internationaal Theater Amsterdam Leidseplein 26 1017 PT Amsterdam Netherlands (map)

A 24-Decade History of Popular Music is Mac’s subjective history of America since its founding in 1776. The project chronicles the ways in which communities build themselves because they are being torn apart. Years in development, the piece was originally performed as a one-time 24-hour event and was recognized as one of The Guardian’s top five most important theater works of the 21st century and onThe New York Times’ 2016 lists of Best Performances, Best Theater, and Best Music. This abridged version of the show is a highly immersive and outrageously entertaining crash course in the 240 years (and counting) of the history of American culture and dysfunction.

Told from the perspective of groups whose stories are often “ forgot, dismissed, or buried,” the show highlights various musical styles and artistic voices ranging from murder ballads to disco, Walt Whitman to David Bowie and beyond. Joined by music director/arranger Matt Ray, collaborator and costume designer Machine Dazzle, and an incomparable band, Mac appears on stage decked and bedazzled in gloriously irreverent regalia for a night that is startlingly unique.

After successes in New York, London, Sydney and elsewhere, Taylor Mac is coming to Amsterdam during Pride for a special version of A 24-Decade History of Popular Music. Mac will bring a shortened version of the show full of highlights from 240 years of American culture and will invite numerous Amsterdam guests to join him.

Earlier Event: December 14
Lecture: Burlesque Costumes