Truus de Groot was in our studio.
We invited her to make a radioplay for our Hörspìl-series. It will be broadcasted by VPRO Radio 6 , Cafe Sonore and will be our next contribution to the Radia network-series. (end of june/beginning of july).
name of the radioplay/ radiophonic/ Autobiographic opera/ musical;
Truus Makes Waves
By Truus de GrootWith:
Johnny Dowd - presenter
Solex (aka Elisabeth Esselink) - Instrumentation on "NY NY"
Kathy Ziegler - Bontempi Organ on "Toilet Dame"
Written by Truus de Groot (aka Geertruda De Groot Hrnjak) 2012
An autobiographical opera by Truus de Groot about her earliest years in the US. Dealing with the isolation and loneliness through her ongoing often humorous audio observations that she has collected over the years.
The piece starts out with Truus reading form her Diary in 1980, shortly before her departure to the US. Just minor observations of a 20 year old, nothing special yet a moment in time. Not really a clue she would be going to the US mere months later, never to call the Netherlands her home again.
It was an adventure looking back for her, but at that time these were just impulsive decisions. Never thinking twice, why am I doing this? Is there future here?? What will I do? Her first stop was a connection she made on a whim in Eindhoven, David Linton, who lived in Tribeca, NY. His roommate was Lee Renaldo, who was at that time painting. From there her US journey began.
In her isolation she could see the absurd humor of a culture that was so new to her. The many hours spent just looking at people, their silly habits, crazy public fights, moody encounters, make this opera a time capsule of sorts. It also conveys her frustrations of being harassed endlessly by the prying eyes of males that feasted their eyes on a beautiful yet naive young immigrant.
However bothersome that might have been, Truus always translated it into humorous musical reflections. It is not dark yet perhaps a bit cynical, but full of irony.
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