L.T.I. (Lingua Temporum Imperii)

double brass marching bands

by Ari Benjamin Meyers


WP May 1999 // Bebelplatz, Berlin // Commissioned by the city of Berlin as a part of the installation "Writer's Block" to commemorate the Nazi book burning of 1933 // Choreography: Sommer Ulrickson


“Writer’s Block” in Berlin Bebelplatz and Jewish Museum
The Berlin exhibitions were more than simply an art installation, they were multi-faceted events that included a live dance-theater piece created by choreographer Sommer Ulrickson to original music by Ari Benjamin Meyers. Ulrickson and Meyers based their work on the 1933 Berlin book-burning itself, which lasted for hours and was attended by an estimated 40,000 people. The Bebelplatz show was on May 10, 1999, the 66th anniversary of the book burning. “Writer’s Block” was shown at the Jewish Museum Berlin in August 1999 as part of the Long Night of the Museums festival.

"As part of the art-installation Writer's Block, performed on the 66th anniversary of the Berlin book burnings and which has gained world-wide attention, Meyers conducted his work L.T.I. (Lingua Temporum Imperii- Language of Time's Empire). Meyers had to fight to the storm and sheets of rain as he conducted. The players' music was in constant threat of being blown away. The square itself was filled to overflowing with people. Although the entire situation was less than comfortable, not a single person left. It almost appeared as if the storm was part of the music. As the work reached it's conclusion, a chorus of bravos rang out."
Elisa Klaphek, Jewish Berlin

L.T.I.- excerpt 2

L.T.I.- excerpt 3