Blast Theory’s ‘A Machine to See With’ explores the relevance of the audience within performance and spaces. It premièred in the city of San Rose where members offer their phone number to the system and at any point, they are asked to follow instructions in order to rob a bank, in conclusion. Blast Theory were blurring the lines between pretend crime and real crime. Authorities of the city weren’t told of the project, if they followed through with the performance, all responsibility was left to them. They are ordered around and sent to certain checkpoints via a phone system called ‘Asterisk’. Once they had completed a task, their phone would ring and an automated recording of the next task was played.

The space is essential for the vitality of this site specific piece. The haze within performance and felony needed to be real. The process explores three key features/themes:

– Cinematic spacing (in relation to the recording and documentation of it)

-Tyranny of consumerism

– Financial crisis and situations

Although it is a performance, it is still within real life circumstances and repercussions. They are told that it is not a personality test and that they have been given every opportunity to either perform the final act of robbing the bank, or leave through the process. The use of technology rather than letters or people physically communicating is something that Blast Theory use, and the development of technology is a form that they keep through all their site specific works.

Their last message leaves the member inside the bank, at the correct door, hand on the handle, with the phone counting down in seconds from eight. After the countdown, the phone cuts off and leaves the participant to decide for themselves whether or not they follow through with it. This personal choice is the only thing that isn’t documented. I feel Blast Theory, like they are doing with their app ‘Karen’, aren’t hugely interested in sharing the outcome of the situation you see the member being in, it’s about the personal development and the choices that are relevant to the person.

http://www.blasttheory.co.uk/