|
|
|
"Central Ave." is a structured improvisation that was performed at the former home of Mick Haggerty in Fillmore, CA. The re-designed home was a beautiful old white church with a bell tower, choir loft, and a sanctuary garden. The event took the theme of "institutionalization" in response to the church setting. The performers and I met at 8 am on the day of the performance. I gave each of them a character, costume and signature movement motif. I set a basic structure or map of the event. During the long improvisation sections, there were five tasks each performer could choose from: 1. A podium with several different texts to read from and perform political arm gestures (texts included a potluck recipe book, a text on how to keep your husband, a history of democracy, a book of prayers and a book of poetry by T.S. Eliot.) 2. A tight rope to move on, under and around. 3. A platform with camera and flash set up where performers were to "shoot themselves" in action of character. 4. A newspaper from which to read headlines and inserted fragments of prayers. 5. A bag of grocery items, plates, silverware and religious items were to be taken to the podium and set up as an alter. The performance was attended by many LA local artists, dancers, and choreographers. The improvisational element was an integral part of Central Ave.'s structure and an important contrast to the theme of institutionalization.
|
|
