In 2007 Blast Theory launched their newest performance Rider Spoke. It is described on their website as a performance where “Cyclists explore the city at night recording stories about their lives and listening to other people’s” (Blast Theory, 2014). The piece uses the technology of participant’s handheld computers to allow them to take part in the performance. Blast Theory say that they are fascinated “with how games and new communication technologies are creating new hybrid social spaces in which the private and the public are intertwined” (2007). This use of technology to explore social spaces is an appealing method to use as part of performance, and is something I believe will be useful to experiment with, in regards to communicating to our audience as they explore the venue in a new personal way.
To use a place that is familiar to the audience but asking them to view and explore the space in a new way can be a challenging but an exciting experience. “The streets may be familiar but you’ve given yourself up to the pleasure of being lost.” (Blast Theory, 2014). By producing unusual tasks for the audience to participate with, provides them with an opportunity to communicate with the familiar place in a way they never would. These people may have walked through the Collection and Usher galleries a thousand times, but once someone invites you to question something within the space, different stories and perceptions can be changed. The aim of my groups performance is to make the audience see the hidden secrets, truths and lies within the space and to explore it freely and in their own personal way with the guidance of performers.
You can view the documentation of this performance by clicking the following link: Blast Theory Rider Spoke Video
Works Cited:
Blast Theory (2007) Rider Spoke. London: The Barbican Centre [Online] Available from: http://www.blasttheory.co.uk/projects/rider-spoke/# Accessed: 11March 2014.
Blast Theory (2007) Untitled [Taken] Unknown.