In the past week, I’ve had the chance to preview two SummerWorks Live Art Series. I thought I’d relay my thoughts on my experiences, as both performances interestingly made me come out of my shell.

Photo Courtesy of SummerWorks

I first joined in for Hello for Dummies, which comes to the festival from the UK. For this performance, the audience meets at Alexandria Park, and is split into two groups. (If you show up with a buddy, no worries, you will not be together.) Each person is paired up with a ‘stranger’ and asked to sit at a bench. The two ‘strangers’ are NOT to look at each other’s faces and their conversation topics and lines are fed via headphones. Basically, you have to be willing to be fully engaged in the conversation.

At first, I was unsure how I’d do in this performance given that I didn’t know the person I’d be paired up with. But since we were not alone in this, I figured I’d just go along with the instructions and see how I do. What I sort of enjoyed about this piece is that I technically did not have to think of what to say to this ‘stranger’ sitting beside me. It also makes one very aware what the lack of eye contact or being able to look at someone’s face does for a conversation. Nonetheless, my partner and I managed fairly well.

It also challenges you to see how comfortable, or not, you are in interacting with a stranger, while at the same time being ‘told’ what to say. How much are you willing to follow the dialogue? Are you acting, or are you also trying to be ‘yourself’ while conversing with this ‘stranger’? These thoughts and questions come to mind, and I think this made it more interesting for me. I also think it’s an interesting social experiment; especially, for those who live in a city as large as Toronto, and who often do not get a chance to engage in conversation with people we hardly know. I’d suggest you give this a try… It will definitely leave you with plenty to discuss afterwards as well.

Photo Courtesy of SummerWorks

My second adventure took me to Midway Along The Journey Of Our Life, where I was the sole audience participant. This solo experience takes you into the back alleys of a very familiar place in Toronto. One thing to mention first about this performance is that it requires that you be blindfolded for a minute or so. As well, it is important that you be willing to fully engage in the story and instructions that are, again, told to you via headphones. If you are willing, all you have to do is listen, see, pay full attention, and trust yourself.

Since I don’t mind doing certain things on my own, I figured this would make for an interesting experience as well. And to be honest, I was unsure how well I would do, given I had to follow a few “mysterious characters”. I’ll also say that there is a fair amount of eye contact, some talking, and mostly following instructions while you are also in character, of course. It is also curious how one reacts while ‘performing in public’ (so to speak). The piece does make you question what a ‘journey’ is, what your personal journey may be, what do you need to take with you for said journey…

I’m not one to be on-stage much, but I did find myself wanting to see if I could finish this ‘journey’ with the characters leading me along the way. Throughout my participation, I also wondered if I’d want to give up. Passers-by tried to ask me questions as I was in character, but then realised I was part of the performance as well. Although not for everyone, I’d have to say that I liked being a full participant in this performance. If you’re willing to let go of any preconceived notions of doing something on your own, then I also suggest you go on this short adventure.

Both Hello for Dummies and Midway Along The Journey… run through the entire festival, until August 18. For time and locations, visit summerworks.ca. Happy travels!