WE HERDED SHEEP TOGETHER stories and music about human relationships with animals

WE HERDED SHEEP TOGETHER stories and music about human relationships with animals a project by Karmina Šilec We tiptoe around the truth. The defence of animal rights is a debate always intertwined with personal and cultural beliefs. We all—meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike—can be advocates for animal rights and believe in the ethical treatment of animals in agriculture and industry. Sheep are essential to the human story. Among animals, the sheep has had an extraordinary impact on human life. This remarkable species has fed, healed, clothed, and supported us—towards prosperity and misery alike; it has helped build empires and devastate landscapes, decorate homes and open new continents, construct cities and inspire works of art. Sheep are also at the forefront of technologies that save human lives and provide crucial insights into mysterious and devastating diseases. Since sheep farming has a long history in Slovenia, this seemingly idyllic animal becomes an entry point into the theme. The sheep is richly present in Slovenian tradition—from Saint Isidore, who appears as both shepherd and warrior in folk songs, to numerous personal and place names derived from sheep-related terms. Inspired by the entangled history of humans and animals on Slovenian soil, the project resonates across various regions of Slovenia, primarily in places associated with sheep farming or sheep processing, including slaughterhouses. Invoking this animal might seem “esoteric,” were it not for the fact that we are surrounded by sheep—sheep that are made to speak, and to speak about us. Narratives: Mladen Dolar: CROSSBREED (performed by: Mladen Dolar) Teya Brooks Pribac: PUMPKIN (performed and produced by: Teja Brooks Pribac) Karmina Šilec: MEDI, the innocent mute shepherd (performed by: Minca Lorenci)

Music: Karmina Šilec: LUNGS is an electroacoustic composition created from the sounds of instruments whose bellows are made from sheep’s intestines (bagpipes, diples, accordion). Karmina Šilec: UP AGAIN is based on the sounds of string instruments with strings made from sheep intestines and the polyphony of a female vocal ensemble. Karmina Šilec: ALONE (electroacoustic music and vocals) Karmina Šilec: PASTORAL (bagpipes, electroacoustic music, vocals, spoken word) Samuel Barber / Karmina Šilec: AGNUS DEI (sounds of sheep and arr. of Agnus Dei)

Performers: Kebataola ensemble, Andrej Fon, Choregie project choir, Gregor Zorc, Gregor Luštek

wrapping up with silence

blades of blessing necks of the establishment stains of silences ends of trying embraces of blows forgotten sanctities lowered eyelids submissive muscles open veins trembling nostrils absent faces consecrated torment parched throats numb intestines sensual gains calculating deceptions numb udder enchanted eyeballs overgrown shame transformed bellies living disgusts narcotic freedom stacked vows insolent indifference sensitive detachment immersing in another myth prayers stamped in leather deaths united

take your deaths with you (Karmina Šilec) Supported by: Ministry of Culture Republic of Slovenia, Maribor Municipality