Tabula Rasa
THEATRE — RITUAL — COMMUNION
An installation by Alexandra Wolkowicz & Jon Barraclough for the Unity Theatre, Liverpool to mark its 30th year

Background
Historically, theatres were places to come together, to share an experience, a place of telling stories, learning, ritual and emotional cleansing.
This was, and still is, an essentially communal activity. ‘Tabula Rasa’ aims to reflect the experience of theatre and to explore its continuous relevance in the digital age. The Unity Theatre is housed in a former synagogue: this piece looks at the parallels between theatre, religious ritual, performance and communion.

Questioning the relevance
of live theatre today

As artists, we felt our place was not to try and answer this question but
to engage our audience in the issues raised. Theatre is live, truly three dimensional, tactile, immediate, experiential, social, unique and
unrepeatable. A visit to the theatre culminates in seeing the performance. From booking a ticket to hearing the post performance views of others
on leaving, we are interested in the whole theatre experience. By creating an installation that is intended for the box office/reception space it’s possible to reach all aspects of the theatre experience ­– including the passer-by.

Tabula Rasa
THEATRE — RITUAL — COMMUNION
An installation by Alexandra Wolkowicz & Jon Barraclough for the Unity Theatre, Liverpool to mark its 30th year

Background
Historically, theatres were places to come together, to share an experience, a place of telling stories, learning, ritual and emotional cleansing.
This was, and still is, an essentially communal activity. ‘Tabula Rasa’ aims to reflect the experience of theatre and to explore its continuous relevance in the digital age. The Unity Theatre is housed in a former synagogue: this piece looks at the parallels between theatre, religious ritual, performance and communion.

Questioning the relevance
of live theatre today

As artists, we felt our place was not to try and answer this question but
to engage our audience in the issues raised. Theatre is live, truly three dimensional, tactile, immediate, experiential, social, unique and
unrepeatable. A visit to the theatre culminates in seeing the performance. From booking a ticket to hearing the post performance views of others
on leaving, we are interested in the whole theatre experience. By creating an installation that is intended for the box office/reception space it’s possible to reach all aspects of the theatre experience ­– including the passer-by.