Behind the Lens

Written and directed by Mark Regan.

Be part of a live art show that explores our digital camera culture, blending observer and participant roles.

You will be filmed and you will film others.

About the Event

Imagine yourself at the heart of intense, fictional scenarios, filming and being filmed in moments like a couple’s heated argument and a voyeur’s intrusion on sunbathers' privacy.

What does Behind the Lens mean?

This immersive live art experience blurs the lines between audience and creator, making you an active participant.

This unique event is more than just a live show; it’s an examination of the boundaries between public and private, the observer and the observed.

You will have the opportunity to film and be filmed in fictional scenes followed by reflective dialogues to interrogate your understanding of the show.

Dive into themes of identity, voyeurism, and selfie culture through interactive scenes that challenge your perception of reality. Engage in on-camera interviews and reflective dialogues that provoke thought and introspection.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to examine the power dynamics of being both subject and observer in the digital age. Be part of the conversation.

Details:

Location – Mandurah Bowling Club

Date and time – Friday, 27 September 2024, 6pm-8pm and
Saturday, 28 September 2024, 1.30pm-3.30pm
General Admission – $10

Accessibility – wheelchair accessible, ACROD Parking, accessible toilet  

Behind the Lens is proudly part of the Mandurah Arts Festival 2024 – 6 September to 6 October.

Cast

  • Picture of Liv Richardson

    Liv Richardson

    Liv has a remarkable ability to dive deep into complex characters, bringing a raw authenticity to her performances. Her passion for exploring the human psyche makes her a perfect fit for the intense, fictional scenarios we’ll be creating in "Behind the Lens."

  • Image of Tarek Jabado

    Tarek Jabado

    Tarek’s powerful stage presence and deep understanding of character dynamics make him an invaluable addition to our cast. His ability to push boundaries in storytelling aligns perfectly with the themes of "Behind the Lens."

  • Image of Jodie Sosa

    Jodie Sosa

    Jodie’s energy and creativity are unmatched, and she brings a dynamic presence to every role she plays. Her talent for improvisation and audience interaction will be a key element in this immersive experience.  

Learn more about this unique live art show:

  • You will be filmed at this event. 

    Only attend if you agree to the following: 

    • You will sign an consent form in relation to being filmed at this event. 

    • If you are under the age of 18, you will need your parent/guardian to read and sign a consent form on your behalf.

    • On behalf of myself, or the young person in my care whom I am registering, I consent to the taking of my photograph and video at this event, and for such images to be used by Mark Regan or the City of Mandurah to use for the purposes of historical record, grant acquittals, promotion of future projects or of Mandurah in general, or in the creation of future artworks including films.

    • The Producers (Mark Regan AND City of Mandurah) will retain the images and may display and re-use at any time, in multiple occurrences, with no further consent or communication.

    • To $NIL payment for my contribution and performance in the Production.

    • The Producers own the copyright and all intellectual property rights for all material involving these images/ video/ sound and I agree not to make any claim against the Producer.

    • That I have no right, title or interest in the Production and the Producers may edit and adapt the Production at their sole discretion.

    • That the Producers may use the Production in whole or in part worldwide in perpetuity and in all media, whether known now or developed in the future.

    • That the Producers may use my name and likeness, voice, biographic and other information in the Production and to market and promote the Production.

    • That the Producers will use all reasonable efforts to include my end credit however, any inadvertent failure to do so is not a breach of this agreement.

    • This agreement may only be changed in writing signed by me and the Producers.

  • At the heart of this project is active audience participation. Rather than being passive observers, attendees will become integral contributors to the filmmaking process. From conducting on-camera interviews to experimenting with filming techniques, participants will engage directly with the exploration of self-exposure. By involving community members in this interactive manner, we seek to foster a profound sense of connection and ownership over the creative journey.

  • Scene 1

    Log line:

    Photos reveal love's hidden pressures.

    Pitch:

    A romantic restaurant date between Beth and Max, a young and exclusive couple, turns into a heated argument over unflattering photos, exposing deep-seated issues of societal expectations, gender norms, body image, and self-worth.

    Synopsis:

    On a romantic evening, young and in love, Beth and Max, an exclusive couple in their mid-twenties, head to an elegant restaurant for a special date. What begins as a dreamy night quickly turns sour when Beth asks Max to take a nice photo of her, only to find his attempts lacklustre and unflattering. This seemingly trivial moment ignites a heated argument that delves into deeper issues: Beth's frustration with societal expectations and gender norms, her struggles with body image, and the pressure to present a perfect appearance. Max, initially dismissive, confronts his own misunderstandings and the inadvertent role he plays in Beth's insecurities. Their intense exchange reveals the impact of external pressures on self-worth, ultimately leading them to a profound realisation about the true essence of their relationship.

    Ten audience members are invited to film the scene, while another ten participate as extras, immersing themselves in the narrative.

    Following the conclusion of the scene:

    Participants with cameras will interview those in the scene, swapping roles to gain insights from both perspectives.

    The director when then conduct video interviews with the actors and audience members, probing into their experiences of being on camera and their reflections on the scene's themes.

    Scene 2:

    Transitioning to the beach setting, the second scene depicts a scenario where a voyeuristic individual intrudes on the privacy of sunbathers. Once again, audience members are invited to capture the unfolding events, while others engage as actors or extras. As with the previous scene, post-scene interviews and reflections are conducted to deepen understanding and provoke thought.

    Log line:

    Caught voyeur: confront, report, or retaliate?

    Pitch:

    When two young women discover an older man secretly photographing them on the beach, they debate whether to confront him, report him to the police, or seek revenge, exploring issues of privacy, societal expectations, and the ethics of sexual body image.

    Synopsis:

    On a sunny beach, two young women relax in their swimwear, unaware that an older male voyeur is surreptitiously photographing them. When they catch him in the act, a tense debate ensues about the ethics of his behaviour, societal expectations surrounding men's versus women's sexual bodies, and the broader implications of privacy and exploitation. As they grapple with their feelings of violation, they confront the difficult decision of how to respond: should they report the pervert to the authorities, confront him directly, or take revenge to send a powerful message? Their intense discussion highlights the complex dynamics of power, privacy, and justice in a world that often blurs the lines of personal boundaries.

  • The culmination of the art show involves a collective reflection on the evening's experiences. Audience members are encouraged to share their thoughts on the role of the camera, their perceptions of the event, and the insights gained. Through this reflective dialogue, participants are prompted to consider the implications of self-exposure in the digital age and the power dynamics inherent in being both subject and observer.

  • Behind the Lens: A Live Experiment in Self-Exposure is an innovative art show that combines performance, exhibition, installation, and workshop elements. It involves a live YouTube broadcast of self-representation through camera lenses, where audience members participate as filmmakers and subjects.

    My project is a unique, exciting, and engaging event that explores themes of identity, voyeurism, and selfie culture. It challenges participants to confront their own relationship with being filmed and to reflect on the implications of self-exposure in the digital age. It also fosters dialogue and connection among the participants and the wider online audience.

    The show is designed to appeal to one or many of Mandurah’s demographics, as it invites people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to join the experiment. It showcases the diversity and creativity of the community, as well as the culture and beauty of the city.

    The live performance complies with the latest Work Health and Safety laws, as it ensures the safety and well-being of the participants, the actors, and the host.

    The art show takes place in the City of Mandurah and does not result in any negative impacts on the city’s built or natural environment. It does not cause any damage or disturbance to the public spaces where the event is held, such as the beach or the park. It also promotes environmental awareness and responsibility, as it encourages participants to reduce their waste and carbon footprint.

Behind the scenes

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Mother's Tongue

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Harold the Plumber