Time Space Place - Alternative Realities in Physical Sites

Abstract

Janet Cardiff has gained international acclaim for her distinctive site-specific works, which include walks, sound pieces, and installations. Her audio walks challenge traditional categories of performance art, audio guides, and site-specific work. This essay aims to classify her work based on the underlying values that drive these walks, particularly focusing on her most successful piece, 'The Missing Voice: Case Study B' (1999), set in the East End of London around Whitechapel and Spitalfields. 

By examining the three primary objectives of participatory art—physical or symbolic activity, collaborative creativity, and community restoration—we identified the foundational principles that Cardiff employs. We applied theories of urban walking and psychogeography to the narrative, considering the intertextuality of the piece and the artistic methods used in crafting the soundtrack. Cardiff's cinematic techniques enhance participation, creating an immersive experience that engages participants in the narrative and themes. The use of an MP3 player facilitates mobility, allowing the artwork to unfold in real-time within the urban environment. 

'The Missing Voice: Case Study B' is a complex piece that intertwines participatory art, cinematic technique, and urban exploration. Our classification reveals it as a powerful synthesis of these elements, which individually cannot stand alone but, when combined, create a distinctive style unique to Janet Cardiff.

Abstract

This paper investigates what constitutes a successful musical book in the current landscape of musical theatre. The musical book serves as the backbone of productions, intertwining narrative, character development, and musical elements to engage audiences. The research explores historical and thematic developments in the genre, from traditional musicals to contemporary works that challenge conventions and reflect societal issues.

Established frameworks for plot, character, and structure are examined, while also addressing how emerging technologies, such as digital platforms, provide new opportunities for performance and audience engagement.

Using interviews and surveys, feedback is gathered from key stakeholders, including West End writers, directors, producers, and audience members. The research identifies crucial aspects of musical theatre production, such as balancing dialogue and song, integrating themes, and pacing. It also assesses existing writing techniques to uncover areas for innovation, particularly in incorporating diverse perspectives.

 By exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation, this paper enhances the understanding of what makes a musical book successful in today’s evolving theatrical landscape.

Abstract

This research project examines the importance of experiential learning and the role of practitioners as researchers in community education, with a focus on The Eden Project in Cornwall. Renowned for its environmental research and education, The Eden Project’s educational team comprises of experts who often embark on extensive research expeditions around the world, sometimes for months at a time. They utilise these experiences to create innovative lesson plans and resources that enrich the educational experience by connecting students with real-world environmental issues.

The findings highlighted the value of practice-led research, encouraging educators to reflect on their experiences and integrate insights into their teaching. By fostering a culture of collaboration, practitioners can contribute to a growing knowledge bank that benefits both students and the wider community. Ultimately, this essay illustrates the profound impact of experiential learning in promoting environmental awareness and community empowerment, advocating for the sharing of research to enhance community education.

Abstract

This essay examines whether the non-linear approach to storytelling in contemporary cinema is used as an alternative to traditional chronological narratives in response to audience demand, or if it primarily serves as a tool for screenwriters to exert narrative control. It explores the motivations behind film viewing, particularly in times of social and economic hardship, and whether audiences seek more than mere escapism. While film has long been seen as a temporary escape from reality, recent research points to a deeper level of audience engagement. A 2020 poll of regular cinema-goers (Buckley, 2020) reveals that viewers expect films to provide intellectual stimulation, explore complex ideas, and offer artistic engagement, such as an appreciation for cinematography and narrative techniques. In the case of *London to Brighton*, the use of non-linear storytelling raises the question of whether such techniques are driven by audience demand or if they serve to manipulate audience perception. These findings suggest that modern cinema audiences expect a richer, more immersive experience, challenging the traditional notion of film as merely a form of escapism.