When first tackling the idea of site-specific performance it was unclear to me how to define the difference between a Site Specific Performance and a performance that has been adapted to fit a site. The difference however, is that a Site Specific Performance cannot be adapted from site to site, it is a performance that holds no meaning or sense in a different location.  Mike Pearson states that “site-based refers to performance in found spaces rather than in designated theatre buildings” (Pearson, 2010) A performance that tells a story can be put on any stage and can be performed at any theatre, which is what makes Site Specific different. Site Specific Performance can only be performed at one particular site. If you like, you could say the site is part of the performance, a character in itself.

The idea that Ligna Theatre Company have in relation to Site Specific Performance:

This is an example of a Site Specific Performance, it cannot be taken to another place and be performed, it would lose its meaning. The audience become performers without even realising, I like the idea of manipulating your audience without them realising

“A large part of the work has to do with researching a place, often an unusual one that is imbued with history or permeated with atmosphere” (Pearson, 2010, pg.7)  To make a performance specific to a site, background research will be vital. A Site Specific Performance is not a recreation of a historical event. However as actors we should be able to make up our own fictional history, and make it believable. The false history may be based on some facts but wont be entirely true. By doing this the aim is make our own imprint on the site without harming its original fabrics.

 

Word count: 293

 

Bibliography
Pearson, Mike (2010) Site Specific Performance, Palgrave Macmillan