In the summer of 1948, while in residence at Black Mountain College, John Cage organized a series of concerts of the works of Erik Satie. The series culminated in a production of “The Ruse of Medusa,” Satie’s comic play “Le Piège de Méduse,” translated from the French by M.C. Richards. The play was directed by Helen Livingston and Arthur Penn. Cage played the piano. Various members of the Black Mountain community participated as designers and cast members, including Buckminster Fuller in the role of Baron Medusa, and Cunningham as Jonas, “a costly mechanical monkey.” Cunningham choreographed a series of short intermittent dances for his role, which he later performed as a solo work under the title “Monkey Dances.”

Come ponder the enigma and invite all those who would gaze upon her beauty to wonder at The Ruse of the Medusa!


We are an artist owned cooperative that takes pride in our craft. We produce a high quality, environmentally friendly garment that is union made. From each sale, 40% of the profits goes to the artist.

Our shirts are handcrafted and made to order. If you would like us to adjust your shirt personally in any way, have additional questions or comments we would love to hear from you in the note from buyer field or shop contact.


Environmentally friendly packaging and ink
6.1 oz., 100% preshrunk cotton
Double-needle sleeve and bottom hems
Union Made in the USA

Care instructions: For longevity turn inside-out. Wash cold, and hang dry or tumble try low.