An Appointment with J Dark

An Appointment with J Dark
Triage Live Art Collective. Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall. April 18 – May 6, 2012.

Friends warned me to be on my guard when I told them I was going to experience a piece of 'live art' in which I would be the sole audience member. I had booked in for an appointment with 'J Dark', and would be taken through the labrynthine backrooms and stairwells of the North Melbourne Town hall for what sounded like a cat-and-mouse psychological game. Would I end up running out of the building? Probably.

Actually no, I didn't run away but if you're going to participate in this risky type of theatre, it's good to know you have the option.

Performer Melanie Jame Walsh (who plays the mysterious J Dark) worked with director and dramaturge Katerina Kokkinos-Kennedy to create this structured social experiment, with theatrical elements, intended to be performed to only one person at a time. J Dark guides her 'clients' through the narrow halls and back stairs of the town hall, asking questions, such as 'what is a revelation and how does it feel to have one?' Participants could answer in any number of ways, and, importantly, decide exactly how they want to approach each twist and turn in the journey. At each point it feels risky. Just what is behind that closed door? What will happen if I go into that tiny room and sit on the chair, as advised? I know there are a lot of people out there who love their theatre and movies to show them uncomfortable truths, but what happens when you become the subject?

My heart was beating a little faster when I arrived at the theatre for my rendezvous. It was downright sinister to sit at a table with a lamp, with a lift opening and shutting nearby, not knowing what was going to happen next. I texted J Dark to confirm I'd arrived, and got a one-word response from her: 'good evening'. Then the lift opened by itself and no one was in there. It was a spooky effect, and I smiled at the cleverness of it, even as a part of me resented being played with. I went in with the attitude that I'm a reviewer, not J Dark's patient. Everyone who participates should also give themselves a role that puts them in a strong position.

It was a relief of sorts when Walsh arrived as J Dark, and I was dealing with a performer, finally, rather than my own anxieties. The most enjoyable part for me was being invited to choose one aspect of my character and I chose an aspect that was hidden and a bit suppressed, let's say. I felt Walsh was supportive of this choice I made in a genuine way. There were some really uncomfortable moments where I felt my boundaries were being pushed, and not for any good reason. My best advice to anyone who wants to check it out is not to be lulled into thinking it is a therapy session.

Sara Bannister

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