The Unknown

Instrumentation
keyboard/electronics (opt. trumpet), electric guitar, percussion

Premiere
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, October 2024

Synopsis
Set in a "Gypsy circus" in Madrid, Chaney plays "Alonzo the Armless," whose act features throwing knives and shooting rifles - with his feet.  Joan Crawford is Nanon, Chaney's "assistant" in the act.  Alonzo is in love with Nanon and is determined to have her at all costs.  Nanon, however, is in love with Mirabar the Mighty (Norman Kerrey), the strong man in the act.  The only problem is that Nanon has a morbid dread of being touched by mens' hands.  Alonzo's desire and Nanon's fear drive this wild, dark, and macabre story.