November 3, 2022 By Nicholas Chen
THE INITIATION OF SERA BIANCA.
This marks the beginning of my second project in the third year of the Claude Watson program. The project that was given to us was an event called "Sera Bianca" which was presented to the grade 11 majors. The event features performance pieces based on a certain theme and is hosted annually by all the Claude Watson majors at Earl Haig.
For this event, all the majors are split into different groups with each group consisting of students from each of the different majors. All the different groups were given different sites. For example, the wavy hall, the drama room or the space under the big stairwell. My group and I were introduced to the theme of nursery rhymes for this year's Sera Bianca. Our group was presented with the nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock.” Our goal was to create a performance piece using our site outside the technology room on the second floor and have it based on the nursery rhyme theme. The teachers also suggested that it somehow allows the audience to interact with the piece somehow.
GENERATING IDEAS.
My group and I started by making a list of ideas that could somehow be connected to the nursery rhyme. Some of the initial concepts we had involved creating clocks with programmable time settings that would modify the scene and act depending on the time. Each scene would have a connection to the monotony of life. Our scenes would show people working nonstop at their workstations.
Then, we changed it and suggested the notion of letting the audience select the time by hanging different times around the site. We were adamant about this until we brought it to the teachers, who asked us to revise it. We misunderstood the initiative in the same way that other groups did. We had to come up with a work that had no beginning or end and was ongoing.
We came to the conclusion at this point that everyone’s childhood fantasies are shattered as they become older and begin working a 9–5 job. As the audience entered, we intended for them to initially choose a dream that would be offered to them. All the dreams would be hanging on a line of string at the entrance. Later, they would be greeted by some employees who were working at their workstations. Additionally, a manager would be there, pacing the area and monitoring each employee. We would then designate a location where the audience would rip up their dream and discard it at the conclusion.
SKETCHES.
Ideas:
MATERIALS.
Sticky Notes
Chairs
Tables/Desks
String
Computers
Mice
Bottles
Snacks
Paper
Recycling/Garbage Bins
Toys e.g Rubber Ducky
Calendars
Clocks
PROCESS OF OUR INSTALLATION.
We started building the real element of our exhibit after selecting the final design. We had an eighty dollar budget for this task, so we had to be selective in the resources we chose to buy. Sticky notes, clocks, string, and fabric/cloth were some of the supplies we need to cover portion of the site.
Once all of the dreams had been recorded on the sticky notes, we strung them together. As we went along, we discovered that the tape wouldn’t be as adhesive and might pull off the entire length of thread, so we stopped using it to attach them. In order to hold the sticky notes to the string, we then improvised and chose to use paper clips rather than tape. As we carried out the installation, we discovered that this was more effective and simpler to set up.
setting up the sticky notes
A handful of our group members assisted with laying up the tarp to cover a portion of the location as we were setting up the string and sticky notes. This was done so that we could have an entrance that people could enter when they came to see our installation. The tarp required some effort to install. In order to set it up, we had to repeatedly contact Mr. Hayes for assistance. The tarp often fell over and was dragged down by students passing by, which added time to the setup process. In the end, we finally set everything up.
After putting up the tarp, we had to set up the other props, such as the tables and laptops, and install all of the clocks we had purchased throughout the location. We would have various table decorations, such as paperclips and the remains of appetisers and beverages, for each table. We also made the decision to have the actors and music majors construct a “tick tock” sound effect that would play throughout the whole production. This was to be done by either clicking a mouse or typing on a keyboard, for instance.
process
After spending the entire day setting up, planning with my group and overcoming obstacles, we finally finished and were ready for our piece to be showcased at the event.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS AND REFLECTION.
Finally, taking part in this activity with the other Claude Watson majors greatly broadened my perspective and pushed me to use my creativity. Additionally, it provided me with a chance to engage with the performing arts component of the arts. I got to experience a different type of art where not just visual arts are required when I worked alongside Adam, Aurora, Biinizi, Brody, Rachel, Nicole, Cici, Olivia, Mina, Jessica, and Emily. As we had a limited amount of time and needed to work quickly and effectively, working with my other group members also required me to put my teamwork abilities to the test. We faced ups and downs during the entire process and were pressed for time, but in the end, we managed to finish it. My group and I had a great time working together, and I’m pleased with the results. I would absolutely take part in this again if given the opportunity.
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