An experimental theatre company known for presenting its productions in a unique and alternative way, the Performance Corporation’s latest interactive experience Power Point to be debuted at the Dublin Fringe Festival appears to be no exception. Lisa Lambe stars as business executive Jill, the hostess of a business seminar that goes disastrously wrong.
You’ve worked with the Performance Corporation on numerous productions. Was the fact that they aim to challenge traditional conceptions of theatre something that appealed to you?
Yes. They’ve created an amazing space for new ideas to be nurtured and to expand the boundaries of what we perceive theatre to be. As an actor they involve you completely in every aspect of the theatrical process. You’re encouraged to think outside the box and bring different elements into your performance which helps to expand your range and allows you to overcome what you perceive to be your own limitations.
Can you tell us about Power Point, their latest production in which you’re involved?
It’s an inspirational business seminar that goes totally wrong. The speakers think that they have all the answers about how to survive the current economic crisis. It starts off fantastically well but starts to collapse when their own personal problems start to spill out. It’s so relevant to what’s happening in the world today but occupies its own little world at the same time. There are lots of different layers to it. It’s full of analogies and metaphors.
How does your character Jill fit into this scenario?
Jill is a young businesswoman who feels she’s a business guru. She’s hosted conferences before and feels quite knowledgeable about them. She loves her Christian Louboutin shoes, power-suits and the general idea of being a businesswoman. One of her lines is ‘if you want to get ahead in business you have to have serious hair,’ so presentation is very important to her as well as internal qualities. She’s very complex. I’m actually on Twitter as Jill. My introduction to the medium of social networking was through her!
You’ve performed at the Fringe Festival before. Why do you think that it’s the ideal place to stage a show like this?
The Performance Corporation are a very innovative, physical theatre company who produce unique and edgy work. Their productions fit very well into this kind of festival because they’re at the forefront of experimental style. Acting is like a muscle that constantly needs to be worked on. They’re approach to their work keeps your own mind open and helps you keep that muscle in good shape. It’s a real privilege to be with them at the Fringe and it’s a great show that I think will both stand out as well as fit in.
What do you think the audience will take away from ‘Power Point’?
I think they’ll realise that ultimately we’re all in the same boat in these turbulent times. As the conference descends into crisis, people’s facades and masks begin to melt away and the audience will see that they’re all actually quite vulnerable beneath it all. It’s a far cry from your average conference so I think it will be interesting experience for the audience.
