The Fit That Wasn’t
Here’s an update to the ‘seizure-as-art’ evening discussed here recently. The Telegraph & Argus reports,
Rita Marcalo’s controversial attempt to have an epileptic fit on stage at Bradford Playhouse ended in failure. The Portuguese dancer, who has epilepsy, was attempting to induce a seizure during a 24-hour arts performance. By the 1pm finish she had not managed to do so – despite exposing herself to strobe lights and depriving herself of sleep and food. Playhouse director Eleanor Barrett described the performance as “emotionally demanding” to watch.
Readers saddened to have missed Ms Marcalo’s adventure in self-preoccupation should, however, take comfort. Clearly determined to justify the £14,000 of Arts Council funding, Marcalo promises a second, no less challenging, instalment.
The second part, featuring footage of Miss Marcalo trying to induce a seizure, will be at Bradford’s Theatre in the Mill in January.
One for the diary, definitely.
The Arts Council should just tell me how many ten pound notes I need to take out of my wallet and burn.
Can I turn up at these ‘art’ events and pose as a sleeping, disinterested observer? Or are simultaneous challenging art events banned under the rules of the game?
Would it be bad form to boo if she fails again?
Can I get it as a DVD to watch at home or is it only art if viewed “live”?
I am saddened that there was no seizure to be seen in the end. Seizure art without the seizure is like painting without paint (or paint subsitutes)… mindblowing/boring.