Words by Smiley Team
With social distancing still in place and tensions continuing to rise, London-based artist Marcus Lyall has transformed a soon-to-be-demolished office block in London Bridge into an interactive public artwork. Commissioned by and in partnership with Illuminate Productions, this piece is part of a collaboration with New Art Projects - the contemporary gallery of Fred Mann - and Nursery Theatre who are an improvisation and training school in London.
As part of this new work, Lyall invites participants to join a Zoom call where you can scream, yell, shout or otherwise vocalise your feelings and in response, a huge, monumental light installation reacts and illuminates in different ways. The louder and longer your shout or scream, the bigger the response from the building. Each voice is reacted to uniquely by the installation meaning the experience is unique for each guest. Any device which supports the Zoom app can take part.
The artwork is designed as a safe and constructive excuse for people to release their inner tension. ‘Primal Scream therapy’ has long been investigated as beneficial for psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.
The artist Marcus Lyall who has worked creating experimental film and interactive projects for 20 years said ‘I developed the artwork to provide a cathartic release for people isolating at home, by providing a big colourful object to yell at - Under these extraordinary circumstances, vocal profanity is permitted.’ While Lyall makes no medical claims, a long and loud shout may be a good way to relieve inner tensions.
The project is being produced by Illuminate Productions, a London-based not-for-profit arts organisation who develop opportunities for artists to create ground-breaking, high impact art installations and interactive experiences in unusual spaces. Through its participatory projects, Illuminate Productions has commissioned over 200 exhibitions and events which engage, educate, challenge perceptions and make a positive impact in the community.
The Nursery is an improvisation theatre, training in school and charity in London with over ten years' experience performing and teaching improv around the world. They believe that, as well as being a lot of fun, improvisation can help anyone be more creative and confident. They also believe that financial barriers should never prevent anyone from getting access to quality improvisation training. The Nursery produces podcasts, blogs and materials for improvisers old and new. In Spring 2020 they will be releasing Improgo, an integrated improv training app with an exercise database, scenes engine and materials.
The event takes place between 16th June and 4th July 20-20 between Tuesday and Saturday 8.30pm-12.30am. The installation can also be viewed in person at 55 Southwark Street near London Bridge. More information can be found at the Scream The House Down site.
