The Jerome Bel and Theater Hora “Disabled Theater” is the most touching and exciting performance I’ve seen so far. It started off in a serious tone with the actors being asked to come out one by one and stand in front of the audience for one minute. Already society’s barrier of disability vs ability is introduced with each actor being put face to face with us. As I would imagine, it is uncomfortable for any actor to remain stationary and be the sole subject of attention– some of them closed their eyes whether from the blinding light or being looked at by a large crowd. On the flip side, the audience may not be used to looking directly at disability, eye-to-eye.
Then the actors introduced their name, age, profession, mental disability, presented a short dance, and said what they thought of it. By the end of the performance, I felt like I really got to know the actors. We were able to break not just the barrier of being disabled verses disabled, but also the imaginary “fourth wall” that usually exists between performers and there audience. Even the delay in translation was not a barrier because just the tone of their voice told a lot about what they were saying.
When the 10 performers were asked to say what their profession is, I expected a variety of answers. Instead, each and every one of them introduced themselves as an actor or actress. I guess this fits in with the name of their group, Theater Hora. Nevertheless, it was interesting because if these people were acting out anything, they were acting out themselves. This goes against what we’re used to actors doing, pretending to be someone else.
Relating to our discussion on privilege in class, I believe that theater gives these actors the privilege be who they are, something they probably have less freedom to do in daily life. Theater is a venue for them to express themselves, to be normal, and not have to feel different. In daily life, these people probably get a lot of unwanted pity or attention. Theater gives them attention as well, but a different kind of attention on them showcasing their talent, just like any other actor would. Therefore, I don’t think that Jerome Bel is exploiting Theater Hora to make a controversial dance. As for his responsibilities, unless he completely breaks off connection with them, I believe it is understandable that a choreographer moves around working with different theater/dance groups.
Besides some of the collective question and answer sessions, the performance was lighter and exciting in nature. The actors were all so enthusiastic when their name was called, especially when it was their turn to dance. Their personalities really shone through their dance and they danced so freely, as if no one was watching them. Even when they weren’t dancing, they bopped along to the music and sang along. The actors were very much a community. They were supportive of each other from checking on each other to make sure the other person was ok, hanging up their jacket and helping them put it on, and even allowing them to rest on their lap. They were having so much fun that I was enjoying myself as well. I couldn’t help smiling, laughing, and cheering them on.
~Erica Kwong (Blog B)
