Thawing Ice

The ever-increasing targeted persecution, detention, trafficking, abuse, and killing of immigrants, especially Latin American immigrants, in the United States of America is not slowing down. Paired with a mass campaign of dehumanization and villainization, this situation is resembling the beginning of a new American Genocide if we as a society let it happen.

Thawing Ice begins with the story of colonization and genocide of the territory known today as the United States of America. The thieving and criminal nature of the white colonists and those still carrying out their vision is juxtaposed with the descriptions they use to degrade immigrants, highlighting their incredible hypocrisy: every accusation they make is a confession. This piece paints the urgent picture, intense as it is, but also exhibits moments of intimacy and beauty to hold close the humanity of those who are being robbed of it.

Thawing Ice is a long form work performed solo on the electric and acoustic cello paired with complex processing and an electronic track exploring a vast array of textures spanning across genres. Spoken word is said live and is woven into the track along with samples from the White House, framing the narrative of the work.

The first movement represents the genocide of the Native Americans, frames this countries foundation in the prejudice and hate that remains an existential threat to so many that live in it. The second movement bridges the gap in time, passing through the history of US imperialism and bringing to attention the cruel irony that immigrants end up being called the invaders. The third movement places the visceral dehumanizing words of those in power in juxtaposition to the calls of resistance against them. The fourth movement is a quiet sorrowful reflection that invites thought, ending in original poetry.