When All Is Said – Changing Medium In Live Performance:
Media art has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic, as have many other facets of our existence. Artists and curators have had to come up with new ways to present their work and interact with audiences as actual galleries, exhibits, and events have either been shut down or limited. The main method of presentation is now through virtual exhibits and online platforms, which enable viewers to enjoy art in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. The epidemic has also drawn attention to social and political themes, like loneliness, connection, and the influence of technology on our lives, that media art frequently examines. Despite its difficulties, the pandemic has inspired fresh kinds of creativity and teamwork in the media art community.
After the pandemic, this has continued within areas of live performance. I recently attended an online live show over the telephone – ‘When All Is Said’. This was a 5 short play written by black trans people. The play was completely improvised and delivered by their voices over the phone. The technological barrier between the actors and the audience became a bond within the mood and context of the play; mirroring a phone call. I found the piece extremely moving and effective. It proved the effectiveness technology within live performance can bring; making it more authentic to our reality.
The face of live performance is slowly changing and I would love to experiment in ways beyond the auditory and involve different mediums just like ‘When All Is Said’.