Smash It Up with Mr and Mrs Clark
Performed at Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff and on tour from 17th February 2016.
The evening started with participants wandering around perhaps a little anxious and confused, all looking round at tables of broken stuff. What were we looking at? I wasn’t sure. Was I going to have to stand for an hour or so? I found myself looking out for a seat. Then I had a sense of being corralled into a corner of the space. Those venturing out from behind the barrier were ushered back by a penetrating gaze and a moving barrier that had clearly taken a bashing in previous encounters. We were being controlled, kettled even – we couldn’t choose where to stand. Then the black and yellow tape that had prevented us from sitting down had gone – and everyone – possibly with some relief – gained refuge in the rows of familiar theatre seats.
Ah, now we know what to do, we can sit and watch a performance. But we weren’t done with. Someone from our midst (was she prepared?) was called on to make difficult choices. Which precious objects to hammer to destruction first? Would I be called next – what would my decisions be? Where would I stand now?
And so as the performance continued we were challenged – we couldn’t be bystanders. What happens when people don’t take action? What has to be protected ? What needs to be destroyed?Can destruction liberate? Will you take a stand?
Individual personal stories emerged, interwoven with world events, cinematic clips, and footage from local actions in a collage of physical theatre and video backdrop – familiar and less familiar juxtaposed words and images evoked memory, outrage, curiosity and laughter. The physicality of the performances was both breathtaking and joyous in celebrating what bodies can do.
I was hammered.
In my comfortable and safe theatre seat – amongst friends – and soon to be returning to my safe and comfortable home.
Where do I stand?
