This week I have been developing a performance which will be shown at the Chinese Arts Centre in Manchester, Chongqing Residency Symposium. The details are as follows:
Recent Chongqing residency artists Nina Chua and Jessica Longmore will be hosting symposium on 21 April 11-5pm, looking into past experiences from UK and international artists who have taken part in the 501 Artspace Residency in Chongqing China. Reflecting upon their experience of both the culture and local art scene, the symposium will take the form of a mixture of talks, performances and open debate.
Bookings can be made for the event via eventbrite: http://chongqing-symposium.eventbrite.com
I made an initial rece of the space a couple of weeks ago and I am trying to refine the piece. How will the piece start? How do I create transitions between spaces? I don’t want to overshadow the video at the end, so I need a gradual flow and build towards the end. Do I need to consider my performance wardrobe? What you wear can help command and focus an audience towards the performer. Working in the shop we all wear black, we are instantly recognisable, certain assumptions are made of what we know and do. My main worries are moving the mobile wall divides smoothly and operating the media equipment. I really don’t want that awkward feeling you get when the DVD doesn’t work or the projection is set on the wrong aspect ratio. The general feel of the piece has to be smooth and appear effortless. Throughout the performance I intend not to speak although I will use physical gestures and use props. I just received a message mate fan, which I plan to use to direct people through the space. I have no idea how the technology works but I love the effect of the brightly lit text moving around the fan, it’s really mesmerizing much more exciting than a life jacket.
