Residents, Danish Noblewomen, and Monkeys

At the Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, NY

Mountainville, NY is considered a “hamlet,” though the geographic distinction has no formal place in New York State law like its close relatives “village,” “city,” and “census-designated place.” Given this lack of legal distinction, the residents of Mountainville have had to resort to their own methods to determine the qualities of a “hamlet.” What follows is a charter drafted by the residents to provide visitors with an overview of how Mountainville distinguishes itself from neighboring communities.

1. All residents of Mountainville must wear traditional Elizabethan clothing at all times.
2. All residents of Mountainville must carry around skulls of deceased court jesters at all times.
3. All Danish noblewomen living in Mountainville must take Prozac.
4. All populations of Mountainville must be centered in the area around Taylor Road between Route 32 and the New York State Thruway.
5. All monkeys currently residing in Mountainville must be positioned in front of typewriters at all times.
6. All plays performed in Mountainville must explore themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.
7. All residents of Mountainville must have a postal zip code of 10953.
8. All Danish noblewomen living in Mountainville must avoid water.
9. All dramatic structures of plays drafted and performed in Mountainville must reverse conventional precedent centering on the theory that a drama should focus on action, not character. Rather, said plays must be driven by the use of soliloquies so that the audience learns of main characters’ motives and thoughts.
10. All residents of Mountainville must like trees.

Through this overview, visitors of Mountainville will better understand the nature of its residents, Danish noblewomen, and monkeys.