//Throughout this module I have learnt many things about solo performance. I have learnt about style, atmosphere, indulgence, art and ways of shaping performance spaces. Solo performance is a type of performance which:
“…the solo can be seen as the quintessential form of performance. The audience’s relationship to the soloist is undivided, gratifying the performer’s deepest desires not only to be seen but to be the center (sic) of attention” (Carroll, 1979, 51).
//Thom Pain (based on nothing)
In the shaping of my performance, I have come to realise how much Will Eno’s writing style of Thom Pain (based on nothing) has influenced my performance. In the same way he jumps from talking to the audience to describing events, I have incorporated including the audience and describing the plays which are involved in my performance. In Thom Pain (based on nothing) is an example of this:
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Here are a few images of the work I have been doing for the projected version of myself. I met up with the technical management team at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre where I will be performing and tried out my idea. As hoped, the image projected perfectly, the white dress on the black wall creating a striking image. I am now in the process of choosing what I shall wear as I step into the projection. As shown on the first of the three images, lighter colours tend to show the projection the best.
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I have now began to focus on the structural elements of the piece. After developing my script and being satisfied with the outcome, I am now starting to gather parts of the performance which will not be live on the day.
This starts with the filming of Ophelia, which will be projected in the performance. I have chosen to tackle this element of filming first because it is the part I am attempting to walk into.
The part of the script is as follows – Ophelia Act IV, Scene V – click to retrieve script.
Walking into the projection and back out of it will need to be carefully transitioned. I need to consider the angle the projection is to the black wall, making sure the image is the exact same size as me. I also need to practice walking in and out of it so I can move in the same way as the projected version of myself. I am still deciding whether I will walk into the projection in the dress, or allow the dress to be projected onto myself.
What does this say to the audience? This part of the performance is there to play with distance, to test how close the audience feels to a mediated version of the character. I have also chosen to act the text, rather than sing it as the script suggests, to add a twist to the performance style. Walking in and out of the projection is like watching an actor move in and out of a character. Like Brechtian theatre, there will be a representation of character and a breaking of it. Again, this is to play with the intimacy the audience feels between the performer and themselves.