Performance makers often get used to the idea that when they stop showing their work, it no longer exists, but what about the increasing examples of live performance formats which could continue to be available to audiences for longer, sometimes even for longer than the life of the artist? This is usually as a result of some kind of autonomy in the artwork. Unlike a conventional play script written by a playwright, which is a 'blueprint' for performance, these formats are closer to having a life of their own. Perhaps they can be 'switched on', like a film. Or perhaps they exist as a trigger for performance, requiring no rehearsal, just engagement or for someone to inhabit the structure (eg. live participants following pre-recorded instructions).
#autonomy #trigger #unrehearsed #death #legacy #participation