behavioural
training
for astronauts
for earthlings
Behavioural Training for Astronauts for Earthlings was co-devised and performed with Giles Bunch. It was first presented as part of The Antiuniversity (2016) and since has been performed at Supernormal Festival (Braziers Park, Oxfordshire) The Palace (Nysa, Poland) and Lewisham Arthouse (London, 2017).
As 'A.S.S.A' (Autonomous Sexy Space Agency) we certify humanoids for life in space - on earth. In a pseudo live action role-play of an initiation training, it introduces ‘rookies’ to new behaviours not often present on earth such as:
supporting others, negotiating high risk environments, practices of hygiene and self care
as well as vital space skills such as communicating across cultural differences.
“Behavioural Training for Astronauts for Earthlings was a participatory work in which
audience members join a space mission. Based on the European Space Agency behavioural
training programme, it is part performance, part game and part LARP. The plot is full of
adventures, forcing participants to find ways to work collaboratively - from decision making to fulfilling practical tasks. The challenge is complex: managing the mission but also managing to suspend disbelief. The tension is tangible as at any point someone might crumble and take both the mission, and the performance, crashing down...
... Using minimalist props and no staging, the piece successfully...
questions and subverts authority
by creating a space - physically,
dramatically and conceptually - to explore these issues, while being engaging, risk taking and very funny. The three creators gracefully carry the entire crew and audience with them, in and out of space.”
- Shiri Shalmy, (Antiuniversity Now, United Voices of the World).
