Fuguestate

A fugue is commonly described as a composition in counterpoint, more a procedure than a musical form in which different parts or voices enter successively in imitation of a generating theme, as if in pursuit of each other. The term fugue is derived from fuga, the latin word for ‘flight’.

A dissociative fugue or fuguestate is a sudden unplanned departure from ones itinerary, accompanied by either memory loss or the assumption of a new identity. It can be considered a disturbed state of consciousness in which the one affected seems to perform acts in full awareness but upon recovery cannot recollect their actions.

In April 2005 a man was found wandering alone in Sheerness, Kent. He was wearing a soaking wet suit from which all labels had been torn. He did not answer any questions. Remaining silent, hospital staff presented him with a pen and paper in the hope he would write his name. Instead he drew a detailed sketch of a grand piano. When eventually led to a piano he reportedly played nonstop until he was exhausted. Staff were unable to remember what it was he played.

A collaboration between Jason Maling, Joseph Giovanazzo, Briele Hansen and Steve Adam. In development 2010.