I create conceptual plays based on the idea that on a daily basis, all individuals act out the roles of various characters, rather than own their thoughts, beliefs and actions. Each play is based on non-fictional, recorded events. The original members participating in the event become actors of their own play. Auditions held for each play allow for the original “cast” to be replaced by new actors, enhancing the interchangeability and impermanence of one’s position in a particular character role. A situation or event that actually occurred becomes interpreted as a script that can be reinterpreted further by an entire new cast of actors.
STEP 1
The event is recorded.
The exact words and actions of the people and happenings from the recording are
transcribed. The transcription takes the format of a traditional play.
The playbooks are designed, printed and hand-bound by the artist.
An actual/original event has now become a play. Or was it always a play?
The Messenger: A Monologue by Anthony C. Drennen
(click on title to view and read script) This play is a verbatim transcription a professor's lecture on the topic of artists' books (20 pages, 2004).
The Committee
This play is a verbatim transcription of a departmental review at an art college. A committee made up of three professors reviews the work of an MFA candidate (34 pages, 2005).
Auditions are held to replace the original characters with a new cast of actors.
Auditioners can range from inexperienced to professional actors.
Auditions: The Messenger: A Monologue by Anthony C. Drennen
(Various Film Stills, DVD, 19 min 22 sec, 2004).
