A RADICAL new micro-festival is giving Perth theatregoers the chance to forgo the everyday communal experience of live art for a one-on-one encounter of their very own.
From a private tap dance to a risqué game of strip poker, Proximity takes adventurous attendees to all corners of The Blue Room Theatre - office space, kitchen, theatre, dressing room, bar and even the male toilets - on an experimental exploration of the finer details of human relationships.
“It's a very unique and special gift for an audience member to have a performance just for them,” said co-curator Sarah Rowbottam.
“Our project - comprising 12 performances by 12 WA artists from varied backgrounds - started with my co-creator James Berlyn who made his own one-on-one work. He then wanted to create an opportunity for others in the arts community to make similar works.
“We believe the program will open people's minds to what performance is and what it can be.”
According to Sarah, one-on-one performance is not a new form. Hailing from the '60s60s, it became popular in the UK about 15 years ago.
She warns Proximity-goers to come with an open mind and a strong sense of adventure.
“The strip poker session called Flush is about testing your limits. You enter the bar and Janet Carter (a visual artist leading the act) asks you to take off your shoes,” Sarah said.
“She tells you the rules of poker and then you play. She gauges your comfort level and you are constantly negotiating what item of clothing is going to go next.
“Another performance called the Union was created by Renae Coles, who gives you a consultation in the office about becoming a union member. The union is for those who have suffered a small injustice such as getting a parking fine they feel they shouldn't have to pay, and the way they combat the injustice is to make a punk song.”
Promixity is at The Blue Room Theatre, Northbridge on January 29 and on February 5, 12 and 19.
Sara Fitzpatrick