Silence by Saint Elisabeth
This is a new sound for my Saint Elisabeth project. An atmospheric piece, Silence is directly inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Persona. Audio from the film combines with ghostly, ambient sound to examine the lead character, Elisabet Vogler. Elisabet is an actress who freezes in silence during a stage performance. An attack of existential crisis, Elisabet continues to remain silent. She is hospitalized. What follows is a psychological probe into the very meaning of identity and personhood.
The voice you hear is a doctor at the hospital speaking to Elisabet, who is present, but silent. The doctor understands why this silence has been chosen. Isn’t it better to stay quiet than to continue lying? To continue playing one of many characters? What is there left to say when all is false?
This resonates with me because I find myself desiring silence. I desire God. I need to listen. I’ve created so much noise, filling the air with words. Yet I realize I say little. I know nothing. I meet Elisabet Vogler at a place of desperation.
Best experienced on headphones, a little bit louder.
Dedicated to Daniela Muñoz-Santos
