Notes on The Yena Lunch Performance

The Yena Lunch Overview

  • Initiated in Chelsea in the early 1960s or late 1950s.

  • Concept rooted in performance art intertwined with daily life, reflecting the idea that daily actions can be elevated to art.

The Identical Lunch

  • Defined as a tuna fish sandwich on wheat toast with lettuce and butter (no mayo), served with either a cup of soup or a glass of buttermilk.

  • This specific meal was determined as the best option at a cafe where the speaker frequented due to ineffective offerings.

Performative Aspects

  • Noticed by friends like Philip Corner during shared lunches; this led to a realization of doing a form of performance art through repetition of the same meal.

  • Conducting these lunches at a rist table with the presence of four or five diners, capturing varied reactions from different individuals.

Interaction with the Cafe Staff

  • Café staff, particularly a waitress named Florence, took note of the lunch performance, deepening the performative aspect of dining rituals.

  • Interaction with staff introduced an element of mystery about the purpose of the identical lunch.

International Performances

  • The concept was performed in various countries including France, Germany, Scandinavia (Copenhagen), Japan, and Korea.

  • Adjustments made based on locale; for instance, in Germany, where whole wheat bread was available only in the form of whole wheat baguette.

  • In Asia, adapted to local culinary options, such as tofu soup, emphasizing the regional flavor aspect while maintaining the structure of the lunch.

George Maunus' Interpretation

  • George Maunus created his rendition of the identical lunch performance, freeing himself to innovate beyond the original structure.

  • His performance included blending the lunch to create a cold fish soup, reflecting on the versatility of the performance concept.

Future Plans and Interactive Element

  • Plans to conduct a performance involving blending the tuna fish sandwiches at an event at the Smart gallery.

  • Interactive element where participants are encouraged to bring their own blenders to perform alongside, fostering a communal and participatory art experience.

  • The event anticipates utilizing multiple blenders to create a synchronized performance, incorporating sound elements to enhance the experience.