Fernanda Muñoz-Newsome’s “Wild Card” performed at the Lilian Baylis Studio, as part of Sadler’s Wells' Alternative Curations, proved it was just that. It was a wild, immersive experience and certainly nothing that I had expected. Certainly not for the faint hearted or prudish. Shake off your inhibitions and be prepared for an evening of touch and interactions with strangers and objects.
At 8pm we were summoned into the Lilian Baylis studio by a bell. On entering we were instructed to remove coats, shoes and switch all phones off and move down into the main performance forum. The floor space was littered with soft objects such as textured cushions, bean bags and foam mats where they encouraged us to get comfortable and interact with the shapes. We moved around the whole space focusing on objects, their textures and strangers. There was no official start or end to the performance - we just became part of it. We gently touched strangers on their shoulders and hips, providing we had asked their permission first. (Before entering the studio the audience was individually asked if they minded being touched and could opt out by wearing a coloured wristband). Not something we’re used to in central London; strangers don’t even talk to each other on the underground!
Then we had to find a space to sit down or lay down and relax, however, everyone else grabbed all the soft spots and I spent most of the performance uncomfortable, completely alien to what was being encouraged.
I can’t really describe the music or performance or dance. It was provocative and erotic. At times relaxing and at other times decidedly bizarre. Definitely meant to shake you out of your comfort zone and mindset. The range of performers included Muñoz-Newsome herself, who talked us through what to do and then performed some primeval movements and noises. ‘Last Yearz Interesting Negro’ AKA Jamila Johnson-Small spent most of the performance in a long rubber coat sitting in a shallow pool of water making some strange noises into a suspended microphone. We had Rukeya writhing around on an inflatable bed which was self inflating or deflating at various opportunities and at times accompanied by members of the crowd. Eve Stainton moved around the audience draping herself around individuals sometimes biting their clothing and imitating erotic poses in clothing that was barely there. Isabel Muñoz-Newsome, Fernanda’s sister also performed musically: singing and releasing sounds from deep within. She is a musician in her own right and has performed on Jools Holland’s television show. Everything was happening all around. Your senses had to be heightened so that you became aware of everything around you.
It was hard to understand the performance or was that the plan? Was it designed to evoke the feelings of discomfort in our own psyche or to make us shake off the normality of society and everyday life? The whole performance incorporating visual imagery on the big screen, the lighting, the darkness and the sound brought the whole simulated sexuality of the performance together. It was hard to say whether the audience enjoyed it as we left quietly without any finality of applause.
Reviewer - Penny Curran
on - 15/11/19
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