Villa Aurora X Lookout FM Radio - Episode 8 of "if the house could speak"
In January of 2025 the Palisades Fire came within feet of Villa Aurora. Miraculously, the house survived, and with it the radio transmitter that broadcasts from there throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and the beaches below.
This series explores the voices, past and present, that reverberate at Lion and Marta Feuchtwanger’s former home. For the past 30 years, Villa Aurora has been an artist residence, a place where exile and expression meet, where history and contemporary events converge.
During the process of rebuilding and awaiting our artists’ return, we will be broadcasting newly produced, archival and historical footage for you to listen to and maybe wonder: Is this really only a house or, like Carl Jung suggests, can the composition of a room induce the realization of new truths?
Each episode of if the house could speak will be broadcast on a loop for 24 hours with no interruption starting at 12 PM Pacific Daylight Time. For our listeners across the world, that corresponds to 7 PM Coordinated Universal Time and 9 PM Middle European Time.
Episode 8
A Feuchtwanger Home Movie & Whispering Bells
The first part of this episode features the soundtrack of an unreleased film, shot by fellow German emigré Albrecht Joseph, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of Lion and Marta Feuchtwanger at their Los Angeles home, Villa Aurora. The couple share thoughts on their daily rhythms, their collection of books, and the ubiquity of the automobile in Los Angeles, the audience is treated to their reflections on the Los Angeles of that time.
The second part of this episode was recorded at the opening of Whispering Bells. Whispering Bells is a commemorative group exhibition celebrating 30 years of Villa Aurora’s artist residency program, featuring works by past and present fellows. Held at O-Town House, located in the historic Grenada Building the show highlights Villa Aurora’s transatlantic and local cultural ties. Named after the drought-tolerant flower which blooms after fire, the exhibition symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the enduring legacy of the nearly 500 resident artists who have passed through Villa Aurora. It also marks the beginning of an annual series promoting future fellows’ work in Los Angeles. Friedel Schmoranzer gives an introduction and then Andrew King and Doreen Kutzke of YodelRoar perform their unique bagpipe/yodeling duo.
About LOOKOUT FM
LOOKOUT FM is a West Coast terrestrial radio home for the broadcast of "transmission art:" experimental audio composition, modern serials, data sonification, radio plays, multi-day compositions, and radio-centric performances. Their licensed stations in Burbank, Hollywood, and Pacific Palisades function as FM exhibition spaces where radio art is presented without regard to constraints of time, structure, or commercial consideration.
