Placeholders

Placeholders explored what it means to seek, shape and preserve “place”. The performance affirmed the essentials of one’s sense of place in the face of transformation, in this case; the new light rail line, and reflected upon the meaning of “holding one’s place” while looking towards the future. Four performers invited passersby on a stroll to investigate spaces along Flower Avenue. Through movements and dis/placement of objects, experience of these environments were altered to reframe their use and refocus attention; yellow bamboo ladders leaned against light posts equipped; red chairs and folding tables were misplaced and misused, audio taken from other moments and places were layered into the sonic environment; a temporary mural on the parking lot suggested alternative directions for motion and territorial claims; wooden staffs marked space & shifted meaning through placement and use. Placeholders embraced this spirit of flux through its movement, sound and architectural layers.