Free Speech Zone

by A.D. Amorosi

CABARET

Questionable election tactics? Lazy press corps? Sinister issues of self-censorship? If you don't care about all the above, you're an ignorant prick. If you do care, you're frustrated there aren't places to go that don't embrace partisanship and entitlement. Media Tank can help. Built to create an open public forum in which to discuss both the role of all broadcast media and media-related issues without bias, Media Tank is what uglier corporate outlets claim: fair and balanced. Founded in Philadephia by director Inja Coates and other media activists in 2002, the organization helps the city's small but crucial public-access television channels and indie media resources claim a bigger piece of the pie. Wondering about WiFi? So are they. Is it news or propaganda? They're questioning. How far can the FCC go without reforms? They want to know and want you to want to know too.

But awareness needs money. Enter the Media Matrix Cabaret—a gathering of charitable performance artists and video makers chosen for their work's awareness of all strains of media infection and infiltration. Known for their role in ripping up all doctrines involving sampling and copyright, Negativland present their new video "Mashin' of the Christ." Filmmaker/comedian Julie Goldman (The Sopranos; Sing-a-Long Sound of Music) was the only funny part of the Puppetry of the Penis touring company. Currently seen in the locally shot Mafioso: The Father, the Son, John Lumia has led audiences through visceral critiques of all manner of disenfranchisement in Amputation Nation and Cryptome. Completing the lineup is Taylor Mac (pictured), fresh from having played solo at Bar Noir and with Karen Finley as part of her love-Liza Make Love fest at Five Spot. Mac's histrionic physical display (screaming orange hair; a high, precise, rapid-fire vocal delivery) can only be matched by the savage incisiveness of his texts and songs.

Media Matrix Cabaret, with Taylor Mac, John Lumia and Julie Goldman, Sat., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., $15 or $25 (includes Media Tank membership), Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, 215-563-1100, www.mediatank.org.