Threesome

We went to a few performances for this years SACRED held at Chelsea Theatre. On Thursday 24th November we saw three performances and here is a little bit about what we thought of each piece.

Martin O’Brien Mucus Factory:

This was an endurance piece which ran throughout the course of the evening, including when the spectators where in the main theatre watching one of the other pieces.
The studio space was made up of a small trampoline, a padded surgeon table and a raised platform at the back. The piece had two clear sections; a) the bouncing on the trampoline and the slapping technique performed whilst laying down which was used to clear the airways and encourage the flow of mucus, and b) the use of the mucus for purposes of vanity - styling hair and lubricating medical instruments for anus insertion. and these sections were completed in a cycle throughout the course of the evening.
what we found particularly compelling was the mirror which Martin performed beside. It stretched the length of one side wall, and every action was visible in the reflection of the mirror. this created a distancing effect as the entire piece could be watched in the reflection.
also the natural soundtrack created by the piece was compelling but to some extent painful to witness. it was made from the sounds of slapping and coughing and displayed a very visceral accompaniment to process of the performance. Also as the endurance piece wore on heavy breathing became part of the soundtrack and Martin grew in fatigue.
After clearing the airways and collecting the mucus, Martin used the collected mucus as a tool for vanity, displaying how the internal can become externalised. the mucus was collected and then used, in one sense, for pleasure. For example, the beautifying of appearance (styling hair and sticking glitter to his chest) as well as sexual pleasure using it as a lubricant.
however, in the post show discussion, Martin dismissed the idea of pleasure, saying that the despite the glitter being used as an appearance enhancer, it also became a painful addition, as when the piece wore on the glitter would get everywhere and when inserting the medical instrument into his anus, the glitter began to cut his skin.





Gillie Kleiman Ophelia is not Dead:

Joseph Mercier Giselle, or I’m too Horny to be a Prince:







The programme for the entire scared event can be found at this link
http://www.chelseatheatre.org.uk/data/downloads/SACRED%20Keeping%20the%20Faith%20Programme%20low%20res.pdf