Prompt #8

         Time and pace reinforces the reality effect of durationals, because these two elements are what help to define a durational. A durational is a piece of theatre taking up a longer period of time than most conventional performances. In one of the durational pieces we focused on, Quizoola time helps to reinforce the reality effect because as the show progresses on, the questions often get more personal or deeper. The show is unscripted, and because it lasts so long the reality effect is more poignant because the audience members see the journey that these two actors go on. This is a completely organic journey, because of the natural, non-predetermined responses from the actors. As the play continues on, the two actors get even more comfortable with the questioning. This could not happen if it weren’t for the length of the performance.

I think the piece we studied in class, Marina Abromavic’s House with the Ocean View, is a creation that I personally think embodies living in the now. By stripping herself of all extraneous items, she allowed herself to be fully present. Although this is a very extremist way to show the “right here, right now” I loved the ideas that this piece brought up. Living with yourself, with others, and letting it be enough just to exist, rather than occupying your time with the myriad of tasks that we feel the “need” to accomplish every day. Although it blurs the line of theatre, art and performance art, I feel as though it shows one of the most core values of what I believe theatre should be, and that is human connection. I believe it is important to remember why we want to connect via theatre, and that it is in an opportunity to be completely focused on one specific moment in time, whether that is from an audience’s perspective or from the actor’s perspective. I love theatre that is simplistic in form, and that is something that I believe will help theatre practitioners to achieve living in the present.

http://vimeo.com/72468884