Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O has finally revealed some intriguing details on her forthcoming so-called “Psycho-Opera” for the Creator’s Project. All we knew before recently was that director/playwright Adam Rapp is involved in the piece that’s set to premiere in October at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, NY, cryptically teased as “an assault on the tragic joys of youth.” In a press release this week, O was careful not to reveal too much info on Stop the Virgens by using — as she put it — her “clumsy words.” She did add, however:
I’m hoping to create an original live experience, it should feel like a psychedelic ride laced with catharsis. There is emotional cost to our narrative so we’re aiming to engage the audience, this piece isn’t aiming to be all about spectacle or abstraction though there is good helping of both in the production. It’s aiming to have all the good stuff of escapist entertainment with a few sucker punches to the gut along the way.
Perhaps the most exciting update comes in the form of Stop the Virgens’ notable collaborators, which include Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner, who provides musical direction with longtime O friend/collaborator Sam Spiegel. A sneak peek at the guest performers list features the Greenhornes and the Raconteurs members (most likely those two bands’ only shared members, bassist Jack Lawrence and drummer Patrick Keeler) and yet another member of the YYYs’ art-rock trio: Brian Chase.
Stop the Virgens will happen live 8 times, beginning on October 13. Here’s hoping one (or all) of the performances will be recorded for those of us outside of the NYC area to enjoy, as well. For now, check out the awesome poster above.