Dear Readers,
Due to a mischievous spirit, my personal laptop was recently stolen, containing brief notes about Miami, in addition to a collection of photos from the various fairs. While this has delayed my ability to post about the experience, an update is still on its way.
In the meantime, I would like to direct you to the ever fascinating world of Simon Taylor: www.squarewhiteworld.com
Many recognise Simon and his brother, Dominic, as the cultural magnetisers that for 12 years, assembled an eclectic community under the oxidised signage of Brazil Cafe. Simon is also known for his work in the experimental theatre community, having written and directed pieces in conventional and 'out of box' venues across the city. His blog is a repository of observations and dogged ideas, clear voices and scrambled memories -- a virtual sketchbook of a man raised in the wings of theatre.
When developing the programme for City Art Rooms last year, one project that I immediately wanted to get off the ground was an examination of theatre as a work of art. By bringing theatre out of the Theatre, several exciting transformations could occur, breaking down the strict barriers that often segregate an art and theatre audience. Firstly, the live performative aspect becomes heightened when encountered in a space normally reserved for active scrutiny (e.g. the art gallery) versus a passive entertainment venue. The lack of a proscenium arch, which separates the players from the observers, shatters an invisible wall of safety. In the traditional theatre space, one is very aware that the seating area is where one suspends reality, and that under the bright lights of the stage, a fantasy world unravels.
Theatre is also very collaborative in nature, honing the talents of set designers, painters, lighting experts, costumers, makeup artists...under the umbrella of stagecraft. These components had the potential to add up into a large installation, experiential or simply visual, that could be viewed as an art exhibition by day and become activated by actors and an audience at night. This is exactly what the lovely Simon Taylor has been working on diligently to produce in the past few months. He has written a piece of theatre specifically to be performed at the City Art Rooms venue. By day a tableau, or the director's Mise-en-scène, will seep into the gallery, and a rowdy performance will run for two weeks in the evenings and during select weekends. Study for a Passion will open on 18th March, 2008.
My personal influence for this project is drawn from British playwright, Philip Ridely, who debuted Mercury Fur (above, right) his wrenching tale of an apocalyptic East End London, at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Some of Simon's visual influences (ranging from deconstructed sets, Franz Kafka, and Francis Bacon) are attached for your pleasure. Hover your mouse over the image for a description of the image.
