Going mental in the Streets (a quick word from Stephen…)

Thanks to Andy Field, National Theatre Wales and the Forest Fringe , ShellShock and I had the chance to spend 2010 performing in city centres throughout the the UK, getting the opportunity to do pretty much what we wanted and ‘go a bit mental’ in the streets of Bristol, Leeds, the Southbank Centre in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The performances that I created aimed to express my opinion, have the audience question their surroundings and encourage social and personal criticism. These are all things I try to do myself on a day-to-day basis.

I started research in January looking at the  idea of reclaiming public space through performance.  I think that performing in public space has the potential to transform areas, especially city centres designed for shopping, into spaces of contemplation, expression and catharsis and as you don’t need a ticket to stand on Oxford Street, the potential is there to get many sections of our community involved.

As part of my research I plan to  investigate new sources of inspiration and forms of expression in Swasnea city centre. Please follow our facebook page for updates and details of how to join us for interactive theatre performances and street games which will be taking place throughout the 2011 and beyond.

Best wishes,

Stephen