amy jane stephenson

Yesterday I attended a seminar about communication between dispersed communities. It was so interesting to hear from various speakers about CCD projects they’re involved in and how it’s helping not only communities in Australia but abroad also. Whilst listening to these stories it really encouraged me rethink the role of the arts in society. I mean there is performance which is outcome/product based (most likely commercial), and then there’s productions which focus on the process. By concentrating on the journey rather than the product, community groups involved can find ways to share and express their experiences with a broader audience.

However, that’s not to say commercial shows are bad, quite the contrary as they often challenge theatrical forms and are thus forever expanding the theatre stereotype. Also many product-based shows have a particular target audience, e.g. young people, so they address issues which are important to this group. And you have to admit, it’s always fantastic to see an inspiring professional show!

Both process and product-based performance have there place in the art world, it’s silly to compare them since they have such different objectives. But it is healthy to think about what techniques are used in order to ensure a performance is contributing to society in some way.

Some images from the recent inspiring workshop in Latvia. Photos courtesy of Global Theatre Experience.

Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.

                                                                                     -Andy Warhol

Art actually requires huge amounts of research and thought and it really is a full time job putting together an exhibition or show. Perhaps sometimes people are too quick to judge a piece of art or live performance without actually thinking about the underlying ideas and message the artist is trying to portray. Even if I didn’t particulary connect with a show, I’ll at least try to understand the directors motivation for their choices. Most works out there have the equivalent of a Masters research paper supporting the body of work and this is sometimes forgotton.

Next time you see a show or wander through an exhibition, give a thought to the hours of research the artist has put into the work, afterall they’re trying to say something to you.

I’m currently performing in Polyglot Puppet Theatre’s show titled The Big Game. It’s a huge interactive board game designed for kids of all ages to get in on the action. It begins with a 30 minute performance followed by interactive play, where the children are able to get up close to the characters and challenge each other to win the game.

The Big Game has been made in collaboration with children from the Carlton high rise commission flats in Melbourne and has their creative ideas and images throughout the whole concept. It’s a fantastic show, with beautifully composed live music adding to the atmosphere.

The Age have an article about the show which can be viewed by clicking here.

It’s running until the October 26th if you want to catch the show…even better if you can’t find a babysitter.

As always with the Fringe Festival there are some shows which are little gems. Isabel Hertaeg’s cabaret all about sex is a shiny red one. Her fusion of vocal skills and comic actions are supported by extensive research into the subject matter which varies from painful love scenarios to vibrators powered by steam engines.

La Petite Mort kept me smiling and blushing throughout the piece and is the perfect night out for some pure naughty entertainment. It’s on until the October 12th at the Northcote Town Hall for those of you in Melbourne. Or check out her website: http://www.myspace.com/lapetitemorttheorgasm