Action Hero

 

(Action Hero, 2012)

“Action Hero is the collaboration of artists Gemma Paintin and James Stenhouse. We have been working together as Action Hero since August 2005.” (Theatre Bristol: 2012)

When describing their work,  they suggest that their aim is to “… create celebratory events that use the audience as the co-creators of the work. We are interested in ideas that link audiences together and unify them as part of a live event…” (Theatre Bristol: 2012) It is particularly interesting that they  reference  ‘live events’.  The use of the word ‘event’ has connotations of importance, and suggests somehow that it is a ‘one-off’ occurence.  Within our project, we plan to promote our piece as an event, as opposed to a performance.  This is perhaps due to the fact that we are going to present pre-recorded material. The raises the debate over ‘liveness’ in performance.

Does the fact that we are making it seem more like a film premiere, rather than a piece of theatre?

Furthermore, after commencing further research into their company; the most striking feature of their work, is the way in which they explore audience interaction and participation. “we like using our audience as collaborators and co-conspiritors” (Action Hero: 2012)Within our current idea, we intend on relying on audience participation, in the sense that they will have control over what we, as the performers do.

We are anticipating that within our production, we will be travelling to a number of locations. Another similarity between ourselves and Action Hero’s work. On their site, they claim:”We have developed a reputation for creating performance that is distinctive and invigorating, and have created work for theatres, parties, clubs, galleries and public spaces.” (Action Hero: 2012:)

Works Cited

Theatre Bristol, [Website] Available at: http://theatrebristol.net/action-hero (Acessed 06/03/12)

Hero Action, 2012, [Website]  http://www.actionhero.org.uk/about/ (accessed 06/03/12)

Action Hero, 2012 ,Action Hero Tattoo, [image online] Available at: http://www.actionhero.org.uk/ (Accessed 07/03/2012)