Dream of the Red Chamber Will Be Performed for Slumbering People
Laura McQuarrie — April 29, 2014 — Art & Design
References: dreamoftheredchamber & psfk
'Dream of the Red Chamber' is an 18th century play that will be performed in New York with an interesting twist. The Times Square Arts production has several dates set for May, but audiences are encouraged to arrive or leave at any time—as well as doze off during the performance.
To help audience members slip into dreams, they will be provided with extra comfortable seats and beds. The literal dream play is meant to be experienced as viewers fall in and out of sleep. Creator and director Jim Findlay describes that the intention behind the show is to see "what can happen when we get free from the idea that art is dependent on the transaction of the audience 'paying' attention."
The show has taken two years to develop and the show at the Brill Building will be completely free to attend, although donations are being accepted to cover the costs of the many beds and linens that will be needed for the unusual performance.
To help audience members slip into dreams, they will be provided with extra comfortable seats and beds. The literal dream play is meant to be experienced as viewers fall in and out of sleep. Creator and director Jim Findlay describes that the intention behind the show is to see "what can happen when we get free from the idea that art is dependent on the transaction of the audience 'paying' attention."
The show has taken two years to develop and the show at the Brill Building will be completely free to attend, although donations are being accepted to cover the costs of the many beds and linens that will be needed for the unusual performance.
Trend Themes
1. Sleep Performance Art - Opportunity for creating more performance art pieces, installations and experiences that explore sleep as an element of artistic expression.
2. Audience-led Art - Opportunity for creators to develop more art pieces that allow the audience to have a greater degree of control over their individual experience and interaction with art.
3. Comfortable Viewing Experience - Opportunity to focus on improving the comfort of viewing experiences, such as through the use of beds, pillows, and other amenities, to enhance audience engagement and immersion in art.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - Opportunity for artists and cultural institutions to explore sleep as an artistic element and to create audience-led art experiences that offer new perspectives on traditional art forms.
2. Hospitality - Opportunity for hotels and other hospitality providers to incorporate art installations and performances, including those centering around sleep, as a way to enhance guest experiences.
3. Event Management - Opportunity to create more unique event experiences that encourage audience members to actively engage with art and to push the boundaries of traditional event formats.
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