Finale Festum

Finale Festum is a performance that has remained etched in my memory since my student days at university. As part of my dissertation on the "Theatre of Darkness: The Comparative Study of Dionysian Performance," this site-specific work allowed me to dive deep into the world of experimental performance and explore a variety of concepts and techniques. I was particularly inspired by the works of Tatsumi Hijikata, Kazuo Ohno, Pina Bausch, Jonas Mekas, Jurgis Maciunas, and John Cage, and was fascinated by the potential of Butoh, Fluxus, repetition, and happenings to push the boundaries of traditional performance.

The Apollonian and Dionysian concepts were also central to my research, as I sought to understand the role of these opposing forces in shaping the art and culture of the modern world. As a result of my studies, I developed a strong appreciation for the power of performance to challenge and transform the way we see and experience the world around us.

Working alongside my fellow student Tim Vaughan, I was eager to put my theories into practice and create a performance that would be both innovative and impactful. We decided to set our sights high and aim for one of the most prestigious locations in East Anglia: King's College Chapel in Cambridge. With the help and support of local staff, the Dean, the Chaplain, and the King's Voices Choir, we were able to bring our vision to life and create a truly unforgettable performance.

Despite our naivety and boldness, we managed to pull off the show, which included a number of unconventional and risky elements. For example, I famously got drunk in church and finished a bottle of wine within the first 15 minutes of the performance. While this might seem like a reckless decision in hindsight, at the time it felt like a natural and necessary part of the process of exploring the Dionysian aspect of our performance.

Overall, Finale Festum was a unique and transformative experience that allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional performance and explore new artistic frontiers. It was a moment of artistic growth and experimentation that I will always look back on with pride and fondness.