Controversy of Epileptic Performance Artist

I was very surprised to read today of backlash against a Performance Artist named Rita Marcalo because of her plans to induce a seizure on the stage. Now I am an epileptic and I do not find this in the least bit offensive and I disagree with Epilepsy Action, who I am a member of, for many reasons. One of the reasons I do not agree with their complaint is due to my own fascination with my condition and my exploration of it through drama. Several years ago I wrote a monologue based on the situation surrounding and experience of my first Grand Mal Seizure and have work shopped it many times to explore its viability as a one man show so condemning this woman's work would be hypocritical of me. I have found that this exploration has helped me gain a better understanding of myself and my condition, and because I have given the script to other actors to work on and there have been small workshop performances of it, I have in fact raised awareness of the effects my condition has on me and others. My second problem is that as an artist I feel that censorship is wrong, the fact is that plays are allowed to say anything they want to say due to freedom of speech and I know some organisations feel thats not a good thing. After all why would Epilepsy Action want a woman with big ideas going out there and laying our condition bare doing something that Epilepsy Action itself is known for: spreading awareness of Epilepsy. Truth is I believe EA have taken this the wrong way and its unfair to criticise a Performance Artist like this. I do however have to voice my concern for her health and that I hope she truly comes through this performance safe and if she does have a seizure, remember its not guaranteed she will have one, its not one that causes permanent damage. I wish her all the best. For more information and another brilliant blogpost on this subject please follow this upcoming link to Allan Sutherland of the Guardian's blog where he goes into more detail.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2009/nov/20/epilepsy-live-art-rita-marcalo

Xtofer

Part 2 of Pantomime Documentary

Part 2 of my Pantomime documentary in bitesized episodes. This week focuses on Commedia Dell'Arte and its influences on Pantomime.

http://headtheatre.mypodcast.com/2009/11/Panto_Part_2-259019.html

Enjoy!

Number 5: Run and Tell That from Hairspray

Now for number 5 on my top 10 list. Run and Tell That from Hairspray

Brand New Docu: Part 1 Pantomime

Part 1 of the bitesize episodes of my new Panto docu.

http://headtheatre.mypodcast.com/2009/11/Pantomime_Part1-258262.html

Enjoy!