In residence at the Canal Street Research Association, Shanzhai Lyric shares some preliminary investigations and restagings of Canal Street lore, including sections of Jack Smith’s nearby “Hamlet in the Rented World,” soundscapes from neighboring emptied-out storefronts, and fragments of oral history with local artists and vendors. Celebrating the legacy of bootleg text, this is a thread of research challenging assumptions around ownership, authorship and the politics of who gets in trouble for stolen property.

Originally aired on Montez Press Radio, November 21, 2020. Also featured at Museum of Modern Shopping. Listen to audio here.