november twenty eigth, two thousand nine.

Things to remember while making work:

Number ten: Art is one thing contained in another

I've been thinking hard about what to say that could describe our conversation with Tim Crouch.

Perhaps its best to say simply that it was an inspiring experience and that I wish everyone could have the same opportunity.

A few highlights of that conversation:

1. What I will call "oak tree theory" In the tate modern there is a work called An Oak Tree (by michael craig-martin) it is a glass of water on a shelf and next to it is the following text:

http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~ig206/oak_tree.html

Tim Crouch uses this conceptual art theory in his play, also called An Oak Tree. Simply stated, a thing is transformed simply by stating that it is transformed. (transubstantiation) And this, in Tim Crouch's eyes, is a central tenant - Art is one thing, contained in another.

This is a big, bold, beautiful idea - so pause here and read that again.

2. The play is a place where transformation takes place.

Anything we do to create that transformation before we meet the audience, thwarts that objective. In Tim's eyes this includes doing a warm-up. I love this idea. The primary attribute of theatre, its ability to be directly connected to an audience, is undermined a little bit everytime we add an element of distinction between audience and performer. Whether that's a warm-up, putting on make-up, et cetera. The idea is that the transformation should take place before the audience's eyes.

2a. It is better to transform the audience than the performer.

3. All theatre should be a challenge to the form.

This is an exact quote from Tim. He does some unusual work, formally speaking, especially in terms of audience engagement. To try to explain it all here would be futile - read a few of his plays, you'll understand....

4. Be unafraid of your own opinions.

Tim didn't say this - he exemplifies it. He talks like a steamroller. He has very strong opinions and presents them in a bold and forceful manner. I had to fight to maintain my own thinking in his presence because I often found myself being moved like a starfish by the tides.

5. To quote Tim "dreams and nonsense are peddled in places like this (referring to Central)"

I don't believe this to be true, and I found it frustrating that Duncan allowed this line to go on.

Yes, there are issues in arts education. Yes, there are way more arts students than there are jobs and resources for students. Yes, I'm biased because I've paid thousands of pounds to be here but it's just not the whole truth.

When we have a practitioner or tutor who gives us their opinion on a subject, that's no more nonsense than Tim's opinion is. When we're shown the standard hollywood plot, we kick and fight and push and pull and that's exactly what students should be doing - learning where they stand in relation to the practitioners and work that exist around them.

6. There is no help needed to create transformation.

The audience needs very little to believe a transformation has taken place. To give them all the typical theatrical trappings is to draw attention away from the miracle of the transformation.

Now....

Do I believe all of these whole-heartedly? I'm not sure. I'm learning. But so far these are by far the most potent ideas I've encountered while at Central.