The World as a Stage
24 October 2007 – 1 January 2008
Tate Modern
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
The World as a Stage brings together a key group of sixteen international, contemporary artists in an exhibition which explores the rich historical relationship between visual art and theatre. In a selection of large installations, sculptures, performances, films, participatory works and events, many of which are new commissions, the exhibition investigates the extent to which a sense of theatricality impacts upon the gallery visitor’s experience and is carried into the world at large as an altered mode of perception. Different elements of the theatre form — back stage, actors, props and audience — are played with in relation to the customs of art and exhibition making — studio, gallery, artist and viewer. Works will be displayed both inside and outside the exhibition space at Tate Modern, drawing attention to the theatrical nature of the everyday and incorporating the viewer into the work as both willing participant and oblivious performer viewed by others.
The artists featured are Pawel Althamer (b 1967), Cezary Bodzianowski (b 1968), Ulla von Brandenburg (b 1974), Jeremy Deller (b 1966), Trisha Donnelly (b 1974), Geoffrey Farmer (b 1967), Andrea Fraser (b1965), Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster (b 1965), Jeppe Hein (b 1974), Renata Lucas (b 1971), Rita McBride (b 1969), Roman Ondák (b 1966), Markus Schinwald (b 1973), Tino Sehgal (b 1976), Catherine Sullivan (b 1968) and Mario Ybarra Jr (b 1973).
The exhibition is curated by Jessica Morgan, Curator of Contemporary Art, Tate Modern and Catherine Wood, Curator of Contemporary Art & Performance, Tate Modern.
The World as a Stage will tour to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, from February 1 – April 27, 2008 and the exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue. Performances, Events and Talks:
UBS Openings: Saturday Live Arena
Saturday 27 October, 16.00 – 20.00
Tate Modern, Level 4,
Free with exhibition ticket for The World as a Stage
For UBS Openings: Saturday Live, Discoteca Flaming Star perform in Rita McBrides installation Arena, life-size stadium seating, which is part of The World as a Stage exhibition.
Mario Ybarra Jr: Sweeney Tate A Barber Competition
Saturday 3 November, 12.00 – 18.00
Tate Modern, Level 4
Free with exhibition ticket for The World as a Stage
Mario Ybarra Jr will stage a hair-cutting contest within his barber’s shop installation, Sweeney Tate.
Mario Ybarra Jr
Artist’s Talk
Thursday 1 November 2007, 18.3020.00
Starr Auditorium
booking recommended
Pawel Althamer in conversation with Polly Staple
Saturday 1 December, 15.00 – 16.30
Starr Auditorium
booking recommended
Organised by the students of the MA Curating Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art in collaboration with Tate Modern.
EXHIBITION INFO:
Wednesday 24 October 2007 – Tuesday 1 January 2008
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10.00-18.00. Friday and Saturday, 10.00-22.00.
Last admission into exhibitions 17.15 (Friday and Saturday 21.15).
Public information number: 020 7887 8888.
Public information URL: www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/world-stage
