Tunnel 228

Hi Guys, hope everyone is having a lovely Easter!

I thought I’d pop up on here a few ideas of what I’d like to do in this project, and if anyone likes the sound of it, or is thinking along the same lines, then lets get together and discuss our ideas!

Last year I took part in an art project called Tunnel 228, which was a collaboration between Kevin Spacey and The Old Vic and Punchdrunk – a performance, interactive theatre company. The project was set in a Tunnel (228 – Duh!) which is an old train tunnel underneath waterloo station (the entrance is located in Leake Street – about a 20min walk from uni). In the tunnels, many artworks and sculptures were displayed and were interacted with in live performances by Punchdrunk’s actors.

Only 15,000 tickets were up for grabs (for free) and could only be booked online and the performance ran for 15 days. When you entered the tunnel, you were given a ‘flu mask’, and were told not to take it off as you might ‘catch something’. My job was to basically stand around (in a balaclava and a big coat), watch the audience and sometimes scare them!

They had artwork and sculptures by Mark Jenkins, Slinkachu Olympia Scarry, Petroc Sesti, Anthony Micallef, Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller and they were dotted around the dark tunnels for you to find and explore. The whole atmosphere was amazing, very spooky and surreal and I really enjoyed being involved.

Some images from the show -

Here are a few quotes from reviews about the Tunnel -

‘The whole thing takes place in a network of Victorian tunnels formerly run by British rail, but which have sat disused since the 1970s. During WWII they were even used as a mortuary for victims of the flu pandemic. "This is all about bringing art and theatre together into something ambitious and wonderful” says Spacey.’

“Producer Hamish Jenkinson says: "It's a totally immersive experience - expect to be spooked and surprised”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/may/08/tunnel-288-punchdrunk-art-project

http://digestingdesign.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/tunnel-228/

http://robingrebsonsguidefortheperplexed.blogspot.com/2009/05/tunnel-228-punchdrunk.html

http://www.thelondonpaper.com/going-out/whats-new/the-old-vic-and-punchdrunk-collaborate-on-tunnel-228

IDEA-

So I was thinking that putting on a show of our work in a space that is unfamiliar for work to be shown is an idea that I am very interested in. I’d love to create an atmosphere in which our audience could view our work, other than that of a typical gallery. What does everyone think of this idea? Would any one else be interested in doing something like this?

Alternatively, I’d also be interested in creating a book or magazine with our work and ideas in!

Katie S xx