This is not improvised but that is: Lockdown 2020

This piece was produced for “Improvfest 2020” hosted International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation, in Guelph Canada (broadcast summer 2021).

When we recorded the lockdown rules in Scotland meant that no could visit our home. Raymond decided to make a piece with Eva and Maria (my teenage daughters) with whom I was very lucky to be locked down. No irony here; it was a joy to unexpectedly spend three months in their company. However, it has to be said that, since they know only too well the sort of music I play, they were somewhat reluctant to get involved in my free improvisation malarkey. Mind you when I offered cold hard cash their reluctance waned.

They did lay down a few ground rules – no ‘extreme’ improvisation. So things like animal noises, unexpected screaming, loud spittle sounds or lying on floor while playing, were off the menu. The full exclusion list is a little longer, but you get the vibe. They also insisted on some political content which I was only too happy to include. We filmed the day after they both took part in antiracist demonstrations.

The piece, This is not improvised but that is: Lockdown 2020, sets up a strawman dichotomy that intends to be playful yet serious and engaging. It wasn’t rehearsed but we spent a little time arranging and lighting our front room. We recorded 4 versions and I edited the text slightly each time to keep some surprises in there for them. Huge thanks to everyone at improv fest 202 for putting together a beautiful 24hour festival and for inviting me.

- Raymond MacDonald