NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL 2014
Personal Mythologies Joe Scott
ABOVE: UNTITLED (SL) FROM THE SERIES ANDROGYNE 2013, Photography: Drew Pettifer
In one way or another we all make myths of ourselves. I find myself on a mid-winter train ride to an outer suburbs warehouse. I’ve accepted an invitation to attend a development showing of Shian Law’s upcoming Next Wave performance, Personal Mythologies. My own particular narrative of self has never adequately prepared me for performance art spaces. I often find myself anxious and ill-at-ease, simultaneously drawn into another’s story whilst remaining peripheral and on the fringes. How does the spectacle, participation and identities of art, performance and dance effect our notions of self? How are we to exist within these spaces? How can they help us better know ourselves? During the journey I reassess the little I have been told about the project. “The performance begins with what seems to be a human installation with abstract visual objects, and then turns into an ultimate performance challenge charged with high voltage of physicality, taking three non-dance performers to the extremes of their physicality,” this is what Shian has enigmatically advised.
My breath fogs the glass, obscuring my reflection, scenery racing in a rain-drenched Rousseau blur. Upon arrival I chain smoke cigarettes in the laneway adjacent to the entrance, rapidly shifting from foot to foot in my own personal choreography of restless unease. Then a quietly beaming usher welcomes me inside. The space is cavernous, warm, softly lit, filled with a similarly friendly and anticipatory crowd of onlookers. I seat myself and drink red wine, slowly becoming aware that the performance is already shifting into motion. One of the many ushers approaches a member of the crowd, speaking to them softly and reassuringly before leading them into an adjoining room. As I enter the space I begin to realise that the familiar distinctions between performer and audience are becoming blurred and confused. I consider Shian’s advice: “Be patient, open and critical at the same time. And don't judge too quickly.” As I leave my “impediments” (bag and coat) behind, I am greeted by a scene – part futuristic furniture showroom, part science laboratory,
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