Go Seek (2010)

Go Seek (2010) is an internet-based performance that took place on March 17, 2010. Here is how it all happened.

1) 48 hours prior to the performance, I sent an invitation to the event via Facebook. 24 hours before, I sent out a reminder. 17 people RSVP-ed "yes" and 25 RSVP-ed "maybe." Numerous others accidentally attended. Here is the text of the invitation:

"You are cordially invited to participate in an internet-based event, a staged performance that anyone might take part in unknowingly (or even unwillingly, at first), but that one can (without social impropriety) depart from whenever one wishes.

With mischief in my heart and voice and using only my bare hands, I’ll be performing Lady Gregory’s play, “Spreading the News,” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spreading_the_News) on Wednesday, March 17, beginning at 8/7c, on http://chatroulette.com.

If you find me, you can watch as long as you want or “next” me, but make sure to take a screenshot and post it to my Facebook wall if you want to receive a prize!!

“Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days.”

You’re it."

2) At 7:00pm on March 17, 2010, I set up my MacBook's camera to face my seafoam green wall, which served as a backdrop for my puppets: my hands. I then performed, as a solo, all parts of Lady Gregory's play, Spreading the News (1904), on ChatRoulette.com. It looked something like this:

3) After performing, I tacked a printed digital photograph of my hands in performative positions, as well as a photocopy of the now-performed play, onto the wall, to serve as a record so that those playing the game still had a chance to find me (I had posted a performance time of 7:00pm to 8:30pm). Here are some of the screenshots I took of subsequent participant audience members:

Like ChatRoulette? See also Hopes you didn't know you had.