Since I last made an entry a lot has transpired with the shifting and shaping of the work and the final push towards presenting it in TPAM. Now as I sit post shows to consider the next step of R&R and the presentation in Brighton I can hopefully allow this time for further inquiry and refining. As suggested it may prove useful to look back at the Rules.
I feel that the performance of the work was complimented and supported by the soundscape created by Ed Rosenberg III. I offered the Rules to him as a place to respond from as well as the text I had written however I intended that the sound should have it’s own identity and should exist separately. This was highlighted by the game of chance in the performance therefore I never knew which sound piece I would dance with.
From here I am now thinking about the structure of the work, the method in the game of chance and to what measure can I keep the audience engaged and curious. It is perhaps in the text side of the work where the dynamics could be elevated and not so dry, somehow to create an intimacy. Proximity and the delivery of the narrative will be my focus. I better learn my lines!
One of the comments from the ‘outside eye – work in progress’ suggested that the sense of being abandoned when I was not present on either side could be addressed. As I had been already in consideration of this and designing the experience with lighting and sound as part of the concept I believe this worked with effect in the final presentation to support my absence.
A question that arises now with experiencing the work with an audience is what kind of performance I’m offering them? If I myself do not sense an emotional connection or I have a disconnection to the work is this then only a visual, abstract or poetic work. Or can it resonate on varying states of being?
The scale of the theatre space at KAAT being of generous proportions and the transferring to the Nightingale in Brighton presents technical and spatial limitations therefore the adaptation will automatically be challenged.
As there were numerous constraints within the regulations and time frames to produce a work I feel a part of the goal achieved…. it is now that the growth really starts to be nurtured.
Matthew Morris
