I'm developing a piece at the moment with Honour for Theatre Souk and the Lyme Regis Arts Festival. It's a one on one performance piece dealing with authenticity in the relationship between performer and artist. It's a very experimental piece for me, firstly because I am performing in it- something I haven't done in years!- and secondly because I think the ethics of the piece are pretty troubling, and I don't usually make works that I'd consider to be ethically problematic- even though many of the works that I've found most stimulating over the years have dwelt in this realm. I am also not entirely convinced it's going to be very good... but it's part of the personal development journey I'm going on the moment to allow myself to make work that I think might not be great- as long as it interests me! I went to a short film night the other night and one of the directors came up with a rather brilliant quote, which I have of course forgotten, along with who said it, but it was something to the effect that an artist should create work without fear and without hope. Which seems a little cynical, but rather apt for where I am on my personal creative journey- my intent, at present, being to make the work on its own terms, without any higher motive- or restraint.
Anyway, my purpose with this blog was to reflect on why I am making this piece. Here are some thoughts that correspond to the promises I made to myself in a previous post.
What do I want to learn about myself?
How much I am willing to put at stake personally in the name of art. Whether performing is something I'm interested in/ at ease with. Where my ethical boundaries lie in the work I make.
What do I want to learn about theatre?
What are the ethical boundaries and responsibilities in the relationship between artist and audience member. Where does 'art' end and 'truth' begin?
What do I want to learn about the world?
Who do we trust and why do we trust? What makes a person a stranger? What is our responsibility to a stranger? How honest are we in everyday life and how much do we construct our own character?
What does the introduction of money do to a relationship? What are the factors in a relationship that disrupt the usual social norms?
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