Group: Art Methods
Method: Performance
Description of Method:
Performance can bring vitality to the Urban Room through the spoken word, music, comedy and drama. It can be done in person or through the display of films or audio within the space.
This method can enhance the space, engage new and diverse audiences and can offer insight into the interests, challenges, stories and lived experiences of groups and individuals within the community. Performance can be done by local people, schools, local drama groups and professional performers.
Purpose of Method:
Hosting performance within the Urban Room space can create moments of intensity and focus around specific themes and issues in the local area. Performances can bring a sense of occasion and create structure within an Urban Room programme. These one-off events within the ongoing Urban Room activity can bring new audiences into the space, to then engage them in conversations about their place. Performances need not be directly connected to Urban Room themes - hosting a local band or spoken word performer is a great way to support local talent, create a sense of community around the Urban Room and raise awareness of issues that can be followed up later.
Suitable Audience:
Performance can attract a wide range of audiences - consider inviting specific performers to reach out to under-represented groups in your area. Children are especially drawn to performance and so consider making connections with schools and holiday clubs for supervised visits to the Urban Room.
Madame Zucchini / Credit: Live Works
Madame Zucchini / Credit: Live Works
