Tuesday, December 2, 2008

When is a PERFORMANCE an ART PIECE?

Some questions to think about in advance of my input to the Media 3 seminar December 3 2008

Was the event put on by the students on the occasion of the Minister's visit just a protest, or was it a piece of performance art?

I think it was an art piece
  • arranged in advance
  • Clear agenda and well thought out purpose (see email from Students Union, Nov 24)
  • well orchestrated (three part structure, and no prima donna distractions, other than 'here for the violence which was widely commented on.)
  • Announced in advance as a performance
  • allowed for audience participation (banners, posters, drumming, silence, pointing, chanting,
  • lying in his path, but not obstructing him)
OUTCOME
We got what we wanted in that our reps got to talk to him for a few minutes.

LANGUAGE is important - if we call it a piece of art - even people who don't agree with us will remember the event - otherwise it will go down in history as just another protest - and not a very big one at that.

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