maintenance methods

performance, 2024

a performance interested in group sustained power dynamics, compliance, action, inaction, and how an action begins another — maintenance methods provides audiences with a space to intervene, though each group is instructed not to.

the piece ends when either the performer frees themselves from being strapped to the chair, or if an audience member steps in to assist. the performer is an unreliable collaborator: begging audiences for help and to trust them, while oscillating between multiple voice registers and personalities that suddenly break into song, yell, laugh, and provoke. the performer is  also fixated on insisting others join them in whistling a tune, hoping to indoctrinate some belief that doing so will aid in resolving the scenario.

group 1 was unanimous in maintaining their contract with the instructions to not intervene. group 2 opted to step in not long after the scenario began.

action + inaction are group activities.