For writers and artists, pushing boundaries is a natural act. As creative spirits, we want to test how far we can go. Look at how the book Fifty Shades of Grey changed the publishing landscape. How about film and television? I’m stunned at the explicit sex and violence in prime time. We’re also pushing the boundaries in space with the recent launch of a joint Russian and American one-year mission to the international space station.
Manuel Roque at Vancouver International Dance Festival
And we keep pushing.
A few days ago, I went to see Manuel Roque at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. I wasn’t sure what I’d be seeing, but I wanted to take our granddaughter as she’s into dance.
It turned out to be less dance and more an existential comment on our times. It was billed as “…a celebration of the human race in case of it’s possible disappearance.” The soundscape even included an excerpt from one of Stephen Hawking‘s works.
What was so unusual about this presentation was how Manuel Roque broke the fourth wall, that invisible wall between performers and audience. In theatre, the wall gives performers the freedom to create a story for us, the audience, to contemplate and enjoy. An illusion of another time and place. We can watch life unfold without necessarily getting involved. Of course we do through our emotions, but if we decide to tune out, we can, and no one will be the wiser.
Well imagine my surprise, when during the performance, Manuel Roque began crawling off stage through that fourth wall, towards me. I was sitting in the first row. He grabbed my boot, and then proceeded to climb on top of me. Yes, that’s right. On top of me. Next thing I knew, I was hugging him. You have to know that before he left the stage, he had been crying out in different ways. So, when he climbed onto my lap, I felt sympathetic and put my arms around him.
When I described the event later to my daughter, she said, “It’s a good thing, Mom, that you aren’t a victim of abuse.” I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps Manuel had the sense by looking at me, that I wasn’t vulnerable in that way. I’m now curious to know how he made his decision.
In the midst of my hugging, he continued climbing over me into the row behind and did the same to others for two more rows. What was also surprising is how effortlessly he did it. I did not feel violated, nor did I feel his weight. He succeeded in pushing the boundaries and etching his performance into my memory.
Set of Manuel Roque at Vancouver International Dance Festival
Before the program began the stage was set with two white plastic chairs. I now see it’s where we can sit and let our imaginations take us to places we didn’t think possible.
This “dance” piece made me think about life and our connections to one another. What we can do and who we can be. The limits we set are in our control more than we think. It’s a lesson not only for writing but for life. It’s exciting to push those boundaries, to stretch ourselves and realize our potential.
I’d love your thoughts on this. Happy writing.
I have to be honest. I’m all for pushing boundaries, even have a book by that title. 🙂 But I am a victim of abuse and I do not like strangers to come uninvited into my personal space. Even if I wasn’t the victim of abuse I wouldn’t like it.
You’re a better woman than I am.
Julia, Manuel took a huge risk. If I was a victim of abuse, I’m sure the incident would’ve been traumatic. I’m sorry for your experience. I’ll have to look up your book, Pushing Boundaries. I’ve read two of yours, and both have been excellent.