Synopsis

As the performance begins, a digital clock is projected high above the loftiest reaches of the Constitution Wall displaying the date September 26th, 1498. As the clock moves forward in time, the wall transforms into images of California mural art from the earliest native american cave paintings to contemporary muralists working in California today. When the clock gets past the date September 26, 1998, the wall begins to age as the clock continues forward to the year 2298.

Computer and film animations produce the illusion of rain, fog, hail and sleet, weathering the monuments facade into a beautifully rendered antique. A large choir reaches a climactic apotheosis in the music as a thick fog pours over the top of the wall, gently cascading downward like a curtain of billowing clouds. When a lightning crack suddenly strikes the wall, a flock birds dart out from the word 'assemble' engraved there.

 

A Choir From the Future

Through the fog, a choir from the future appears and sets to work restoring the wall to its original condition. A film effect makes it appear as if the choir is scaling the wall in order to wash and repair the damage that can occur
over long periods of time. They are preparing the wall as part of the 300th anniversary of its construction. The date is September 26, 2298.

The choir represents citizens drawn form a variety of occupations and cultures intent on repairing the word 'assemble' damaged by lightning.

An archaeologist from the future appears in the form of a large video projection. He is making a conference-call from the year 2298 to the year 1998. The archaeologist tells the audience that he is working with the Golden State Archive Museums 300th Anniversary Committee and could not find a picture in their records of the inaugural celebration held on September 26th, 1998. The archaeologist asks the audience to pose for a wide-angle panorama photograph so that he can display it during the celebration of the Museum's 300th anniversary. 'Smile,' says the archaeologist as a flash-bulb cues a live video image enabling the audience to see themselves projected on the wall. The choir and orchestra sing a grand finale as credits acknowledging participants are projected on the wall.
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