Synthesis

Atmosphere and Place@Balance/Unbalance

March 2015

The basic idea is run a set of events in AME’s iStage blackbox for Balanced/Unbalanced? — 

Synthesis and AME will host in the Matthews Center iStage[1] an atmosphere for thought in which we would stage a series of dialogues on sustainability topics.    We will configure the iStage as a responsive environment whose potential response to activity can be dialled to different microclimates. 

Each microclimate would host one presentation at a time.  For example one microclimate could be a Chorusing space in which vocal gestures or movements are subtly multiplied in sound or shadow.   Another microclimate could be a Chiaroscuro space in which people who speak draw light (or dark) to themselves.   Other microclimates may soften, elongate or shorten activity using sound and visuals and modest props (aka objects to think with). 

Depending on acoustic interference and how many people can fit comfortably in this large blackbox space, more than one microclimate may be active at the same time in the space.   The important point is that there is no fixed seating in the space so each presenter ensemble can arrange the visitors and themselves as they see fit: e.g. a discussion circle, a conventional speaker plus a turn-taking baton, or an event in which presenters and visitors remain in motion.

Within this space Atmosphere and Place would like to have a series of conversations — not 20 minute academic papers but dialogues among two or three people. These dialogues would be rehearsed ahead of time and like a jazz band or structured improvisational ensemble, the actually "performed" conversation would touch on the rehearsed points but not as formal prepared, written-and-read talks.[2] Several presenter ensembles would like to "perform"/think/talk in this space.   Conventional imagery (i.e. prepared slides of images) may be presented on the walls or floor or ceiling, depending on the availability of equipment.

Ron Broglio is working with the ASU Museum of Walking (Angela Ellsworth) in a conversation about walking as an environmental practice — invoking walking artists from Richard Long to Janet Cardiff.

Sha Xin Wei will work with an ensemble to create a zone in which small hand or walking movements will connote or conjure different textures of wind or rain in sound and lighting. In this zone, Sha, Dehlia Hannah and participants will discuss and experience the differences between representing versus inhabiting climate.