Politaoke

Now you too can deliver the great rhetoric filled speeches of today's most important politicians. Why settle with hearing politicians when Politaoke allows you to become them. Politaoke, an audience participatory political karaoke bar, changes the face of politics and karaoke by allowing audience members to take on the role of political leaders. Who needs American Idol when you could be a presidential candidate?

Politaoke will make its US debut at the Hallwalls Center for Contemporary Art in Buffalo New York as part of the Infringement Festival and tour across the US in cities across the country from July 30th until October 2nd, 2008. First performed in January 2008 in Germany, Politaoke has been expanded to include speeches, interviews and other appearances by American politicians currently in and running for office.

Politaoke provides the audience a platform to perform, mock and finally hear and see clearly what their politicians say. Completely nonpartisan, Politaoke allows the audience to decide how to interpret each politician's words, whether serious or in a sarcastic manner. The politician's speeches and interviews are provided, word for word, only edited into sections (songs) of 1 - 8 minutes. A series of debates, interviews and television appearances are also provided as duets.

Created by Diana Arce, Politaoke is a natural progression in her (in person) work as an artist, filmmaker and activist, who is interested in using artistic methods as a platform to engage in political and cultural critique and commentary in the public realm. Much of her work stems not only from her personal experience, but also from contemporary politics, economics and news. She is also notorious for her prize-winning karaoke performance at Pan Am Lounge in Berlin.

Some publications related to this event:
June, July and August, 2008 - 2008