Playground

Jan Lauwers “In the theatre it is the maker that determines the time given to observe an image, whereas in a work of art it is the observer himself. I make use of the concept of the border image in my theatre work. This is an image which, as a result of my prolonging the normal duration of observation, has the time to penetrate the observer’s brain. It then makes history in the observer’s mind. It becomes a memory. At this point the distinction between a border image (in the theatre) and a visual work ceases to exist. If art does not penetrate the observer’s memory it does not exist.”

In The House of Our Fathers, Jan Lauwers and Needcompany scan the borders between visual arts and theatre. The result is a museum-like labyrinth of an installation in which actors, dancers and musicians constantly perform. The work is a living piece of art and an ongoing performance at the same time, allowing visitors to stay as long as they want. That way, Needcompany combines museum and theatre, deconstructing the accepted time perception of both disciplines.

This performance is part of “25 years Needcompany”.