11 Aug 2010

Lincoln Art Programme: Search Party Vs Lincoln

Search Party Vs Lincoln is a three day durational two handed performance taking place in Lincoln when Search Party arrive and challenge the residents to a marathon game of table tennis. The performance is accompanied by a live commentary text which is defined by the day's events, drawing on the identity of the host city whilst borrowing from real sporting events and referencing iconic sporting heroes. The live commentary reacts to the unique circumstances of each game creating a real and imagined context for spectators and participants.

Search Party are throwing down the gauntlet. They challenge you, the people of Lincoln, to a marathon game of Table Tennis.

You are invited to form a team and compete against Search Party; to represent Lincoln and to support each other through thick and thin. Sing, chant, wear your hearts on your sleeves, take your tops off and swing them round your heads... As the tournament develops and fatigue sets in, new unexpected narratives will emerge, rousing team talks and comfort breaks will be needed and the allegiance of each supporter will be tested. Search Party want a good clean fight, no biting, no diving, no tackling from behind – and the umpire's decision is final.

What are you waiting for? Search Party await the challenge in Cornhill Square, Lincoln over the August bank holiday weekend of 2010. The respect of the city is at stake, will Lincoln rise to the challenge or will Search Party be breaking open the champagne?

Search Party have already beaten Bristol, Leeds, Kuopio and Barking & Dagenham, drawn against Plymouth and lost to Battersea, Camberwell, Derby and Newcastle.

Bristol based Search Party is a collaboration between artists Pete Phillips and Jodie Hawkes who have been making art that re-negotiates the relationship between artist and audience since 2005, incorporating site specific, studio based and durational performances that attempt to create temporary communities, inviting spectators to become co-collaborators in the live event. Search Party events question the relationship between sport and performance, borrowing the notion of team to examine connections between individual, group and place.

Search Party Vs Lincoln is the second of a series of events throughout July – Dec 2010, hosted by live art organisation Lincoln Art Programme. The programme brings national and international artists to the city, allowing artist to create new work in relation to sites and spaces in Lincoln.

Lincoln Art programme is funded by Arts Council England and Lincoln County Council.