Gary Stevens

(UK)

Ape

Three performers inextricably linked by one rule, to copy and ape each other’s behaviour. Starting with simple actions and movements and rapidly descending into a chaotic world of gestures, language and not quite enough props, each performer struggles to assert their own character and to take control. Playfully testing the limits of the rule through skilful and sophisticated performances, Ape creates a tangled mass of associations, moving from instantly recognizable social situations to moments of slapstick comedy. Actions and words soon spin out of control as the performers continue to copy the copy.

Gary Stevens is a visual artist who has created solo and group performance and installations, for galleries, theatres and public spaces since 1984. He originally studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College and the Slade School of Art, and his often complex, choreographed and scripted, live pieces have grown out of earlier work in installation and film.

His live performance works have been presented as part of the British Art Show, 1990 and in the Sydney Biennale, 1988. In 1996 he received an award from the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Arts (New York) and in 1998 won The Paul Hamlyn Award (Visual Arts). His most recent pieces are Wake Up and Hide (installation), Slow Life (video installation).

Written and directed by Gary Stevens and originally developed with Julian Maynard Smith and Amanda Hadingue.

Commissioned by Artsadmin through support from Arts Council England, London.