New Visions as a Performer

I've been working on my new manifesto, which is included in this post below. Please note that I've primarily used the word 'performance' as opposed to 'theater'. This is something I'm still mixed on, and sometimes I don't know exactly what to label what I do as. I have, however, chosen performance as opposed to theater because to me it seems to encompass much more. The same with being a 'performer' as opposed to a 'theater artist'. The latter when heard instantly brings images of a stage, spotlights, actors, a director... which I'm not necessarily opposed to, but I don't want to be limited to either. Performer, on the other hand, encompasses so much more. A performer could be a dancer, a street artist, a performance artist, a clown, even a theater artist- all different possible performing arts could be included. This is what I am, I feel. A performer. Please read as follows, my new manifesto, still in the edit process. Please send any comments if you so desire.




MANIFESTO 2009


· Create performance that is stimulating, sometimes hilarious, sometimes moving, sometimes disturbing, and always honest.
· Create performance that reflects social circumstances of the given society that it is being presented to.
· Create performances that offer opportunities for the audience to be active and involved, not just passive onlookers.
· Break the fourth wall- create open communication between the performers and the audience.
· Always show two sides of something; nothing is black and white, don’t preach but always offer an alternative perspective.
· Strive for absurdity, don’t get stuck on the realistic- create performance that is imaginative, that invites the audience into a different world.
· Use art and performance as ways to link different cultures and ways of thinking.
· Go out of the standard theater arena and bring performance into public spaces, environmental locations, found spaces, unexpected places.
· Keep things simple and specific, no drawn-out emotional or artistically ‘impressive’ moments.
· Find ways to incorporate different forms of art together. Art is not a separated system. It has many different varieties that greatly compliment each other.
· Don’t be shy or afraid; be confident! Go all the way with your ideas and let them shine! You are an artist, anyone is an artist, everyone is an artist! Let new ideas grow until they are flowers blooming for all to enjoy.



Ingredients for a good theater:



1. Physical body
2. Concept
3. Sculpture and visual world; eye candy
4. Music and sound that creates atmosphere
5. An element of surprise, something unexpected
6. Specific characters and clear contrast, or everything the same
7. Collaboration and flexibility between participants with different art backgrounds
8. Openness to learn and grow



MY THEATER IS A THEATER THAT HAS NO RULES, NO PRESUPPOSED EXPECTATIONS ABOUT HOW IT SHOULD BE BASED ON PAST ASSUMPTIONS THAT SOME OTHER THEATER PRACTITIONER MADE OR WAS TOLD TO DO. MY THEATER IS A THEATER THAT HAS YET TO BE DISCOVERED, AND EVERY MOMENT IT IS CREATED IT OFFERS SOMETHING NEW FOR THE WORLD OF THEATER AND HUMANITY.