Where is the line between stage and reality? When do we step out of “real life” and into an artistic event? And where does it end?

“A.S.K.” is the name of a series of experimental performances we created in 2014 for different spaces in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In these experiments we went out to research the nature of interaction between performers and audience with a set of changing themes.

While maintaining a fixed musical setlist, we created new dramatic content for each performance and venue, developing a different frame and theme as well as all new texts according to our associations with the location of the performance.

For example, in a small, cramped bar in Jerusalem we explored intimacy with the audience, highlighting the contrast between a prepared texts and theatricality to direct speech and interaction. Each person walking into the venue was given a small cigarette lighter, which they lit for different purposes- such as volunteering to take part, or voting with fire in response to specific questions we posed. Through these little games we tested the audiences readiness to commit to the bigger game - the performance itself, pushing us and the viewers into a combined unique and intimate state.

In another venue, we purposely planted mistakes and faults in the flow of the evening, after a somewhat awkward meeting we had with the owner when discussing our performance there. We challenged what was “real” vs “fake”, exploring how embarrassment affects atmosphere, and the connection between the vibe control- ours over the viewers, and their control over us, sometimes even acting like a mirror reflection of each other.

Dealing with a large amount of subjects and themes inspired us to search further for the point of interaction with the audience, and gave us a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of the live moment that occurs onstage. These elements would evolve (after many defining experiences) into our latest creation - The Cabaretacum.