Do Something Else

There is comedy, intrigue and psychological probing in thought-provoking work Do Something Else. Performance art devised over a year as a work in progress by Cloé Fournier, Ryuichi Fujimura and Brigid Vidler, directed by Michael Pigott, and performed at the Old 505 Theatre in Newtown.

The actors are already placed on stage. Back centre stage Fujimura sits on a simple table - next to him is a standing lamp. The other actors are sat at tables with office type table lamps writing. Lights out, music, then a voice over in a strong Australian accent states ‘hit pedestrian….accident’. The voice overs have a discussion throughout the scenes about life and accidents (Shahinyan and Mattes).

Fujimura’s movements over the hour of the performance are described by the actors ‘there is a man in the room’. In the performance there are three storylines that react and interact with each other. There is movement, mime, physical theatre and dialogue, but it is not a play but a performance open to your own interpretation. Fujimura is the main focus - dressed in black, his manner mild and unassuming, he barely speaks.

The two female actors (Fournier and Vidler) observe this movement and actions that relate to a storyline, then the storyline becomes twisted. There is a clever use of hand held office lamps; their lights are used as working props to signify scene changes, interrogation, investigation and the workings of the mind.

The backdrop of the set is white with black curtains either side. It is a minimalist set that uses sound and light effects of large washes of red and blue, complementing the physical movement and actions of the actors. High on the white back wall there is a long length of black wires and cables that entwine into a loop to the side. Its significance can be related to the neurons of the mind. Simple office chairs and tables and a bed are used in the performance. Standing and office style table lamps are part of the set. The actors are dressed in contemporary casual clothing, the major costume prop that is used in part of the action is a mask of a crow’s head, used by Fujimura. The set designer is Katja Handt.

The performance suggests modern day to day life is taken for granted and that the ‘invention of technology is an accident’. It was light hearted in areas, and in other areas highlighted the dark terrors of the mind. The action was fast paced with different types of music, voice overs, lights and movement. The performance hits on the emotional states of the performers and the audience. An interesting night to Do Something Else, enjoyable and engaging, instead of traditional theatre - great fun.

The company featured Ryuichi Fujimura, a contemporary dance artist; Cloé Fournier, a physical theatre, choreographer and dancer; and Brigid Vidler, a sculptor, puppet maker and performer. The voice overs were Diana Shahinyan and Ari Mattes. Directed by actor director

Michael Pigott.

Charlotte Hanson