A PECULIAR SHADE OF BLUE underwent a thorough period of R+D to explore how is best to work with this current iteration.

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Here are answers to some FAQ's, along with a few notes from findings made along the way that may be useful if you are interested in hosting a screening, or are thinking of working with the project in an ongoing context. 

 

The most vital thing to remember is that Spiderflower's methods are rarely orthodox, and have always worked in a way that is co-creative with its audience.​

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1.  WHO IS A PECULIAR SHADE OF BLUE FOR?

A PECULIAR SHADE OF BLUE is suitable for an audience of 16+, and is designed to serve a community made of deep thinkers, change makers, creatives and pioneers in every sense.

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• It is an important piece for performance artists, film and theatre makers, creators and educators who have a passion for progressive and exploratory forms of theatre and film, particularly those who are currently working with slow cinema and earth-based genres.

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• It is set to benefit individuals who are inquisitive about the relationship between human and earth, and where working to find a creative way through the climate emergency is of importance to them.

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• On another, humanistic level, as a vessel of reflection - it is also designed to serve those who are grieving at this time.  It is, in this sense, for everyone that this may belong to.

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Go to ORIGIN + INTENT for more detail on the original impulses for the project.​​

 

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2.  WHAT KIND OF GROUPS DO YOU WORK WITH?​

This is entirely open. On the ground, the piece is attracting a diverse audience.  From charities whose work is to support individuals through grief, to educational institutions who are working to bridge the arts and ecology, there is interest in bringing this work to teens.  It really is for everyone it may belong to.  

 

Specific areas of exploration and focus break down as follows:​

• Groups wanting to focus on the acting + performance process

• Groups wanting to focus on language + the writing process 

• Groups wanting to focus on filming + the cinematic process (with particular reference to slow cinema to include editing).

• Artists and creators wanting to focus on creative processes for visual art.

• Educators working within their own remit.

• Wellbeing Practitioners working within their own remit.

• Charities and organisations working directly with grief or within their own remit.

• Or those who are simply curious and want to engage in this work.

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There are no hard and fast rules.  Each booking is treated individually, and tailored to the needs of that group.​ Head over to AUDIENCE RESPONSE for further reflections from previous audience members.​

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3.  ARE SCREENINGS IN PERSON OR ONLINE?

Iteration #1 is not available online. It belongs to the art house genre of film, and is only available in person. I will speak about why these choices have been made in depth in MEMBERSHIP, but for now, there is a vast difference between experiencing the films in an auditorium as opposed to online.  Choice, at present, is to stay in body.

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4.  A NOTE ON SLOW CINEMA

This work is not for people who are in a rush.  This work is for the patient and those who want to dive deeply. 

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5.  WHAT KIND OF VENUE BEST SUITS ITERATION #1?

Iteration #1 best suits small scale art venues that lend themselves to an intimate setting and are equipped with a high quality screen with good surround sound. The films are immersive and visually impactful.  As a piece of fine art, it worth investing in the right space.

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6.  SEATING - GET COMFY!

People need to be comfy and relaxed. It's also important to allow the body to move a little during the films.  Rigid seating in rows doesn't work best. The films are more comfortable to watch where there an open space to provide a relaxed 'crash area' of throws and cushions along with chairs arranged for those who need them.

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7.  HOW IS THE SPACE HELD?  IS ROWAN PRESENT?

Yes. Iteration #1 is facilitated in person by Rowan throughout. I am present on site during a screening, for talks and for workshops while A Peculiar Shade of Blue is moving through a deeper level of research via Iteration #1. Iteration #2 will see the piece change gear and move into wider gallery spaces for larger audiences, and will work alone. 

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8.  GROUP SIZES​

The best group size sits between 20 - 40 people, large enough for a gathering, but small enough to remain intimate. For sharing and discussion, it's important people can be heard and listen to others.  Too large a group looses that sense of holding.  Smaller groups sizes of around 10 people are also fine for those who want to work on a practical and ongoing basis with the project.

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9.  HOLDING AN EVENT:  HOW DOES IT WORK + WHAT'S INCLUDED ?

​It's ultimately up to a group how they want to hold an event and this is something to discuss.  For the events that took place within R+D, the following elements proved important:​

 

• PREPARATION: Optional preparation is sent out to participants upon booking where a few simple creative exercises invite an individual contemplate their relationship with grief ahead of a screening.  For some people, it has been an important part of the experience and has provided a gateway into an ongoing personal journey.

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• INTRODUCTORY TALK:  To ease into the space, Rowan offers a short introduction ahead of the films, and works practically with the audience to set the space where possible.

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• THE FILMS:  Are core to a whole and extended event. They are simply left to roll as they are, with short breaks in-between each stanza.

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• THE MEAL:  A beautiful meal offered at the end of a screening within the same venue became extremely important. The arc of an event is carefully designed to give audience members the time and space to enter into the experience, land gently, engage with the films and decompress on the other side.  Most times, the meal after a screening began to act almost like a wake. The films create an artistic context as they focus on grief itself rather than any one personal story - so seem to have found the right balance in providing a place of reflection. As audience members relax and share good food, conversation around the films, personal experiences of grief and wider reflections tend to come forward naturally. There is a warmth to this. Again, we come back to the fact that grief is hard to navigate. Part of its nature needs silence and solitude, but that is different to loneliness. Within this, there is a fundamental human need to gather - even if nothing is actually said. Too often people are isolated inside of grief. Although certain parts of its landscape may need silence, human beings are social in nature, and are not meant to travel it entirely alone. For myself, the meal post screening has been one of the most surprising parts of A Peculiar Shade of Blue's evolution. NOTE: If the meal is transferred over to a separate venue - this tends to disperse focus. I'd recommend if you are to hold a meal it is in the same venue as the screening takes place.  If a meal can't be held, I would suggest drinks at least to complete an event and allow people to wind down so as to avoid an abrupt ending.

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• FEEDBACK: Audience members are given the opportunity to feedback their experience either verbally or in writing after a couple of weeks.  Initially, I expected relatively short reviews, but this has proved to be an important part of the overall process. Very often, people write at length, going into great detail on their reflections of the films and how they intertwines with their personal experience and world view.  From my own point of view as an artist, these reflections are incredibly important for research - which is the entire point of travelling Iteration #1 in this way.

 

• WORKSHOPS:  Extend exploration over a 2 - 3 day period via a workshop space is also available after a screening.

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These are simply recommendations made through discoveries so far. As the project travels, the way in which an event takes shape may change. Each event is likely to be unique and will be crafted to work with the chemistry and needs of each group.

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10.  PRICING

Is relatively flexible. A base rate is set to cover my fee and minimum costs, but will vary from group to group depending on their needs. It is up to each group to set their own ticket prices if working in this way. Organisations can also simply book a screening at a flat fee. Please contact ROWAN to discuss pricing further.

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Any further questions feel free to get in touch​

Email: contact(at)rowanjacqueline.co

Telephone: +44 (0) 7967 430303​

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