Footscray performer Stuart Bowden has no idea what to expect from his upcoming Fringe Festival collaboration – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Bowden, a performer for theatre, comedy, kids and found spaces, is one of only three local artists selected to take part in the Forest Exchange Lab, a two-week creative residency project with UK-based risk-takers Forest Fringe exploring the relationship between art-makers and place.
The artists will spend a week taking to the streets of Footscray before inhabiting The Substation and Woods Street Arts Space.
While the project promises “art-making, mischief-making and some serious deep thinking” Bowden says there are no specific goals in mind.
“We are most interested in working with the location in mind, see what inspires us in the moment,” he said.
He is champing at the bit to join forces for the project with Forest Fringe co-directors Andy Field (UK) and Deborah Pearson (UK/CAN), together with Sydney-based associate artist Mish Grigor.
“I first came across their work at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival,” he said.
“They were always creating such interesting work and it really seemed like such a good company.”
Bowden has a history of performing in unusual spaces, often performing theatre in people’s houses as part of award-winning duo The Lounge Room Confabulators.
“I like to take theatre and performance out of traditional spaces and see how that can bring new qualities to the work,” he said.
To this end he is looking forward to seeing what will emerge from working in local places and spaces.
“I love Footscray, I moved to Footscray after living in the UK for five years,” he said.
“I just rode down to the Substation, along the Maribyrnong; it’s so beautiful and it feels really industrial, riding through the whole area I find really inspiring.”
Further details: www.melbournefringe.com.au.
