Some Reasons: A Panel Discussion with The Theatre of Mistakes

Anthony Howell, Julian Maynard Smith, Lindsay Moran, Miranda Payne and Fiona Templeton with curator Jason E. Bowman and Alex Sainsbury

Thursday 20 July, 6.30pm

Members of The Theatre of Mistakes re-gather to discuss its work, practices and modus operandi. Over its duration (1974-81), the group pioneered new forms of systems-oriented performance in what can be seen as an expanded conceptual endeavour. More than 35 years after its dissolution members from various phases of the group’s iterations will reflect on its modes of production, the pursuit of mutual art and the meanings of their commitment to structures.

This event is free, however, places are limited. Please reserve your place on Eventbrite.

In Case There's a Reason: The Theatre of Mistakes

Until 6 August 2017

Artists’ group The Theatre of Mistakes (1974-81) pioneered a structured performance art traversing architecture, choreography and poetry as well as visual art. They formed in London in the early 1970s from a series of open workshops at which instructional and games-based exercises were the focus. These came to inform The Street (1975), a performance with the residents and environment of Ascham Street in Kentish Town.

Fiona Templeton and Anthony Howell distilled the performance exercises into a publication, Elements of Performance Art (1976), arguably the first manifesto for performance art in the UK. A core group of six performers (Mickey Greenall, Glenys Johnson, Miranda Payne, Peter Stickland as well as Howell and Templeton) then agreed to produce contained and systematic works for a five-year duration. Later, ‘mistakes’ were explored through a series of trios, duets and solos and Julian Maynard Smith joined the core group.

The live element in this exhibition commenced on the opening night with a ‘Free Session’ by The Theatre of Mistakes, including early members, Lindsay Moran and Howard Tong. Throughout the exhibition, Anthony Howell runs performance workshops every afternoon, while each Friday and Saturday evening there are performances of Going (1977). Directed by Fiona Templeton, a cast of five will play out mannerisms of departure in five tightly choreographed acts, whilst attempting to be each other.

The Theatre of Mistakes logged its working life, practice and processes in detail. The exhibition reveals this unique legacy of documentation and notation, and includes videos, photographs, a great variety of spatial and choreographic notations, as well as diary texts.

The exhibition is curated by Jason E. Bowman. For further booking information about Going and information about participation in the workshops, please see www.ravenrow.org

Exhibition supported by Arts Council England and the Henry Moore Foundation.

Image: Rehearsal for Homage to Pietro Longhi at Purdies Farm, Hampshire (1976). Photographer unknown. Courtesy of The Theatre of Mistakes.