Tony, 2003

Performance (five male actors, the artist, audience)

Tony is a performance piece in which five large male actors dressed in black assume the role of security guards or bouncers, surveying the Alexander Centre studio at Simon Fraser University for two hours during a series of artist talks. Unannounced and without introduction, the five middle-aged actors stand in their set locations with relentless focus and in complete silence. Unsuspecting audience members and those using the studio became weary and increasingly uneasy in their presence. As the artist finally reached the podium to discuss his work and address the presence of the five men, the actors moved toward the speaking artist and proceed to beat him; at the same time audience members were restrained from assisting him. Finally, as the artist slumped down onto the ground after being partially thrown through a wall, the five actors collected themselves and exited the space.

Tony is an experiment in tension and release within the context of performance as well as a reflection on security within the roles of performer and viewer.