Maher Shalal Hash Baz is a band with the shape of a congregation or theater troupe. For three decades, members have come and go: friends, passers­by, devotees, neighborhood children… Tori Kudo, the group director, welcomes absolute beginners, accomplished and non­musicians alike and directs everyone like actors. He embraces error and imperfection. The work is made out of inadequacy. “Out of laziness, poverty, and ideal.” While this smacks of the social, Kudo speaks otherwise, “I am not a socialist designer for amateurs or shamateurs but just an egoist who is trying to realize my own inspiration.”

At Yale Union, MSHB will play surrounded by Susan Cianciolo’s memory kits, altered sleeping bags, and unanimated soft people—an alchemical trial of some sort. Kudo is coming from Japan for the occasion, long-time collaborators will join him, as well as last-minute newcomers.

A Performance as part of CIANCIOLO
$12—Tickets at the door