A huge inflated plastic bubble fills the theatre space, we remove our shoes and are ushered in 8 at a time, told to stand, sit or move around as we please (but like most audiences, don’t budge once we decide to sit!).  The bubble is constantly being filled with air and we must enter quickly so the entrance can be zipped shut again to avoid too much deflation.

Once inside the audience huddle in small groups on the floor.  There is an air of anticipation and curiosity. Throughout the space hang white mesh sculptures moulded into the shape of body parts.  These ghost images bob up and down in the space as the air level fluctuates and the final members of the audience are let in.  Three dancers enter with them and begin to walk about the space. They appear human but there is something very alien about them at the same time.  A soundtrack with a voice begins, and the dancers are signing the words, the voice repeats itself ‘we have decided not to die’. (more…)

The Contemporary Arts Research Unit CARU celebrates its (slightly belated) 4th anniversary with a great line-up of performances by artists from different forms working in collaboration, and including work by Oxford dance artists Naomi Morris, and Macarena Ortuzar (member of MUE).  This event is dedicated to talented photographer  Pier Corona, CARU’s VVVIP, and the heart of Oxford, who had been with CARU since its very first event 4 years ago.

Participating artists:

Naomi Morris
Martin Hackett
MUE – Macarena Ortuzar, Dariusz Dziala, Bruno Guastalla, Daniel Balanescu, performing ANIMUS
Peta Lloyd
Georgia Pazarloglou
Claire Frampton
Rory Flynn
Janice Howard

Date: Saturday 25th November, 6pm – 8pm

Venue: OVADA Gallery, 14a Osney Lane, Oxford. OX1 1NJ

FREE & ALL WELCOME!

Find out more about the event here and about MUE here

Find out about Pier Corona here and read the Oxford Mail’s tribute here