Monk in Pieces is an upcoming documentary film written and directed by Billy Shebar. The film documents about visionary composer and performer Meredith Monk, who overcame hostile critics to become one of the great artists of her time. In her seventh decade of creativity, she ponders how her unique work can continue without her.[1][2]
Meredith Monk overcame early critical resistance to become a leading artistic innovator. As she develops Indra’s Net, she grapples with her artistic legacy. Monk in Pieces, featuring interviews with Björk and David Byrne, explores her unique fusion of sound and imagery.
Meredith Monk - On Behalf of Nature - Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2014
The documentary directed by David C. Roberts and Billy Shebar, includes extensive archive material, interviews and live recordings of Meredith Monk's performances. Interviewees include musicians such as Björk and David Byrne, who reflect on Monk's influence on contemporary music and the art scene.[5]
The development and making of the film in the words of the director Billy Shebar:
Three years ago, Monk opened the doors of the Tribeca loft where she’s been working since 1972 to me and my film crew, allowing us to capture the rhythms of her daily life and the creation of her newest work, Indra’s Net. She also granted me access to a rich archive of film, photos and notebooks, affording deep insights into her evolution as an artist. Rather than attempting a comprehensive biopic, I’ve created a mosaic mirroring the structure of Monk’s own work. Each chapter is anchored by a single Monk song and offers a unique window on her life’s work."[6]
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