In focusing on space, one must be able to understand the possibilities in exploring the space that is picked. This was clearly shown in an activity that we wished to do in class and explored for a week.
In the task, we were split into small teams in which we were asked to explore a particular space from a set of options we were given. Our group decided that we wish to get a tight corner and we started to think about the possibilities of the space. As we did not get specified whereabouts our space was, we started brainstorming some ideas in which we began with the idea of a boxed up corner including silhouettes. The reason we started with this idea was that, as a group, we felt that whilst “Language barriers are the most common communication barriers which cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations”, universally we are able to understand emotions and feelings from actions that humans do (Businesstopia, 2018). Thus, we had this as an idea to explore to evoke the ideas of how people may feel as if they are excluded and yet there can normally be a universal language that is seen through movements instead of being secluded by the way we speak.
However, in furthering the idea, we found issue with it as we were concerned that the idea would not be able to progress and could come across as very episodic which is what we were not after. Therefore, we decided to change the idea as we felt that we wanted an idea which would not only entice the audience but make them feel uncomfortable as they watched the piece. Therefore, we decided to revert back to our childhood to the idea of when we were at Primary School.
In reverting back to the idea of our childhood and our time at Primary School, we decided to think about certain ideas such as the book corner and the naughty corner used as a “time out” area if a kid was acting out of order and needed some space away from the rest of the class. So, from this, we decided to create an idea based on the idea in which the book corner was an area in which certain books were banned. In discussion with the rest of the group, we decided to do this as there are certain texts around the world that are banned due to cultural reasons. Certain books that rose in discussion were texts such as Alice in Wonderland which is banned in China for its issues concerning that animals speak in the text. As well, other texts that arose were the Harry Potter books for its depiction of magic and also John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men for depiction of someone with a disability and also its attitude towards the American Dream. Below is a video discussing more books we thought about from YouTube channel, WatchMojo, to get an idea of the discussions we had.
(WatchMojo, 2015)
From creating the stimulus, we then started thinking about how the piece would progress and decided that it may be interesting with playing around on what books has been banned, reading them inside the audience and then stating where they are banned and why. The reason we wanted to do this was to showcase how silly some of the reasons are. For example, in the case of the Harry Potter books, certain states and countries have banned the book for its observations on magic and that it promotes the ideas of wizardry for younger children. Yet, as a book, it is highly regarded as one of the best selling children’s novels of all time so it is quite shocking that people will not allow this book in certain countries.
From doing this idea, we then explored the space by pitching it in the space and this I found very interesting. In exploring the space, it felt quite claustrophobic with the space we were doing it in as it not only felt intimate but quite oppressive. Indeed, the fact that it was done in the style of a ninety degree angle which were straight with chairs, it made me feel quite exposed and as if it was extremely formal as if there was nowhere to hide. Compared to if it was done on an arc with a different form of seating, such as bean bags which were discussed in our time, it made the space feel quite exposed and scary for the audience to observe and I felt that by having it done in that manner, it meant that the performance could come across as extremely formal compared to if it was done in an arc which would feel less scary and comforting for the actor to perform.
From doing this activity, this is a space that I really am passionate to consider as I feel that it is quite exciting to observe. Whilst it is limiting in terms of space concerning what is possible, I feel that with this space it would feel quite intimate and this is something I want to do with my solo piece. To me, performance is about that intimate moment between you and an audience and what is created in that small amount of time is magical as you have witnessed it. Thus, this is something to consider as a space and I am excited to workshop in the space how it may be oppressive and also how you can make it relaxed for both the audience and the performer.
Works Cited
Businesstopia (2018) Language Barriers to Communication – Definition of Language Barriers. Available from https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/language-barriers [accessed 19 February 2018].
WatchMojo (2015) Top 10 Books That Have Been Banned. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpGunoyANA [accessed 19 February 2018].