Ever been to a performance where a full house constituted five bums on seats? If you’re in Adelaide this February you’ll have a chance to attend what must be one of Australia’s smallest performance venues. Anything is Valid Dance Theatre (AIVDT) will be presenting Life in Miniature in the confines of a caravan.
Whether you're a caravan-fan or a camping wannabe, it's fair to assume that you've probably not considered the humble caravan as a performance space. Isn't it a bit... cramped?
For Serena Chalker and Quindell Orton the size is the point, as is the pared-down portability. The pair are co-directors of AIVDT, a WA-based performance group known for creating site-specific dance in public places. “We've got a history of working in non-traditional spaces and we were curious to push ourselves to work somewhere new. The caravan appealed because we liked the idea that we could take our performance venue with us,” explains Orton. “A caravan is great because it's a house but it's compact. You've got your kitchen, you've got your bed, you've got your lounge and your table all in a 3m space – it gives you so much to work with theatrically. Being able to put your feet in the sink while lying on the bed is...” Orton pauses and Chalker finishes, “a novel concept!” The pair laugh.
Life in Miniature is little in length too, running at just half an hour for each mini-audience. “It's a boutique experience,” says Orton. “You know often when you come out of a show and there's a kind of camaraderie between the people that you've seen it with? I think that is intensified when there's just four other people there with you.”
Quindell Orton and Serena Chalker in Life in Miniature. Photo: Ashley de Prazer.
