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ALIVE FROM OFF CENTER: OPERATION X (TV)

Summary

One in this series of arts programs featuring the work of leading avant-garde artists in video, music, dance, theater, and film. Hosted by Laurie Anderson and her male double, a computer-generated clone, this program gently mocks the television medium in a series of comic routines, while manipulating the use of video in a variety of creative ways. Teddy Dibble and Mitchell Kriegman mug for the camera and clown in a quick-paced succession of sight gags and stunts. Highlights include a segment entitled ÒHeartbeat Theatre: Men Who Scream Like WomenÓ; a spoof of viewer discretion statements; and a new twist on the nuclear warning testing system that features a bellowing man.

(Series title varies; as above, 1985-1991; as "Alive TV," 1991 onward.)

Acquisition and cataloging of this program was made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Details

  • NETWORK: PBS
  • DATE: August 17, 1987
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:27:27
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:14215
  • GENRE: Arts documentaries
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; TV - Parody; Video art
  • SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1985- 1996
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • For "Alive From Off Center":
  • Melinda Ward … Executive Producer
  • John Schott … Producer
  • De Michiel, Helen … Associate Producer
  • Gerald Rickman … Production (Misc.), Executive in Charge
  • David Byrne … Theme Music by
  • Laurie Anderson … Host, Prologue by
  • For "Operation X":
  • Melinda Ward … Executive Producer
  • Steve Baker … Director
  • Teddy Dibble … Writer, Performer
  • Mitchell Kriegman … Writer, Performer
  • Pat Irwin … Composer, Original Music Composed and Performed by
  • Hal Willner … Music (Misc. Credits), Music Selected by
  • Katell Pleven … Cast, the Girl , Announcer
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