Perth festival’s most powerful show was 12 hours long, had no actors and will never happen again | Culture

12 Last Songs: A 12-Hour Exploration of the Human Condition

Imagine a stage where twelve hours unfold, not as a structured narrative, but as a raw and unscripted glimpse into the lives of thirty-two individuals. This is the world of “12 Last Songs,” a unique performance art piece that challenges conventional notions of theater and delves into the depths of human experiance.

Created by a team of artists, “12 Last Songs” invites the audience to witness a series of intimate interviews conducted with a diverse cast of performers representing various professions, backgrounds, and beliefs. From a Whadjuk Noongar man delivering the Welcome to Country to a hulking painter-decorator meticulously wallpapering the theater, each participant contributes their unique story, revealing their hopes, fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities.

A Marathon of Intimacy

The performance is structured around a set of 600 carefully crafted questions designed to provoke thought and uncover hidden layers within each individual.

“You’ll be with us a long time,”

an interviewer offers a participant. “Unfortunatly, yes,” the participant replies dryly. This exchange encapsulates the essence of “12 Last Songs” – a journey into the mundane and unusual facets of everyday life,observed through the lens of extended,unfiltered conversation.

The Power of Vulnerability

“12 Last songs” isn’t just about shared stories; it’s about acknowledging the universality of human experience. The performers are not actors playing roles; they are real people inviting us into their inner worlds. This raw vulnerability creates a powerful connection between the audience and the performers,fostering empathy and understanding.

The Impermanence of Performance

Adding to the unique nature of the performance is its limited run. The creators envision performing “12 Last Songs” only twelve times worldwide. this exclusivity amplifies the feeling that witnessing the piece is a rare and unforgettable experience.

A Call to Experience

“12 Last Songs” is more than just a performance; it’s a cultural moment, a testament to the power of human connection. If you have the possibility to witness this extraordinary piece, do so. Allow yourself to be immersed in the vulnerability, the laughter, the tears, and the profound truths shared on stage. “12 Last Songs” will stay with you long after the final curtain call.

What was the inspiration behind stripping away customary theatrics to focus on raw, unfiltered human interaction in “12 Last Songs”?

Archyde News: An Exclusive Interview with “12 Last Songs” Creator, Amelia Hartley

Amelia Hartley, a renowned performance artist and director, has pushed the boundaries of theater with her innovative piece, “12 Last Songs.” Archyde News secured an exclusive interview with Hartley to delve into the groundbreaking concept behind this marathon of intimacy and exploration of the human condition. Here’s what she had to say.

Revolutionizing Theater: The Concept Behind “12 Last Songs”

Archyde News: Amelia, “12 Last Songs” challenges traditional notions of theater. What sparked this unique idea?

Amelia Hartley: Thank you. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of conversation to connect people on a deep level. I wanted to create a piece that stripped away the artifice of theater and focused on raw, unfiltered human interaction. “12 last Songs” is my attempt to capture the essence of who we are when we let down our guards and open up to each other.

AFramework for Intimacy: The 600 Questions

Archyde News: Your team has crafted 600 questions to guide these conversations.How did you compile them, and how do they help reveal the human experiance?

Amelia Hartley: we spent countless hours observing and interacting with people from all walks of life. We asked ourselves, what questions might intrigue, inspire, or unsettle someone enough to reveal a glimpse of their inner world? The questions are designed to provoke thought, encourage vulnerability, and uncover hidden layers within each person. they’re like a roadmap for a genuine, insightful conversation.

Embracing Impermanence: The Exclusive Experiece

Archyde News: “12 Last Songs” is limited to just twelve performances worldwide. Why this exclusive approach?

Amelia Hartley: We wanted to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity around the performance. By limiting the runs, we hope to foster an appreciation for the fleeting, unique nature of the experience. Each performance will be different, shaped by the individuals involved, and once it’s over, it’s gone. That impermanence imbues the pieces with a heightened sense of importance and preciousness.

A Call to Connection: The Impact of Vulnerability

Archyde news: What do you hope audiences will take away from witnessing “12 Last Songs”?

Amelia Hartley: I hope they’ll leave feeling more connected, not just to the people on stage, but to each other and to themselves. I believe there’s a profound power in acknowledging our shared humanity, our vulnerabilities, and our hopes. If we can foster empathy and understanding through this piece, then I think we’ll have accomplished something truly meaningful.

Archyde News: For those considering attending,what can they expect from their 12-hour journey with “12 Last Songs”?

Amelia Hartley: They can expect to laugh,cry,think deeply,and feel deeply. They can expect to be challenged,inspired,and ultimately,reminded of the universality of our human experience.It’s a journey that will stay with them long after they’ve left the theater.