fromCONCENTRATE

research blog of artist John O'Shea

Jun 30, 2010

Comfort Zone

My recent performance work – PENUMBRA – involves the use of traditional theatrical lighting to project a special ‘zone’ onto the stage – the lighted area is described as a “NO ZONE.”  Outside of the “NO ZONE” something is permitted.  And inside the “NO ZONE” that same something is prohibited.

The work attempts to mix-up roles which are usually kept separate – that of ‘on-stage’ actor/performer and ‘behind-the-scenes’ director/technician.


Since I am both performer and lighting-operator I can direct the powerful beam wherever I want (even into the faces of the audience) and, within the construct of the performance, the “NO ZONE” is imposed wherever the light falls.

A member of the Liverpool audience suggested that the space described is in fact a “NO COMFORT ZONE” and this seems very fitting!

(images – stills from video documentation by Sam Meech)

Category: Blog, Final Project

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