By Colin Flaherty
Slightly ominous music plays as we enter the room. Seated in a chair at the front of the room is Ben Volchok. We have no idea of what is in store for us and neither does he. Welcome to The Ceremony.
All performances will start off with everyone on edge as we are unsure about what we have signed up for. Ben breaks this tension with some gentle mute clowning, mirroring audience members with an impish smile. This continues until we manage to transform from individuals into an audience mass and then the show starts proper.
We are told we that can participate as much or as little as we feel comfortable with. For optimal results it works better when everyone is on board, regardless of how silly things get. It was stressed that “This is Not a Cult. This is Not a Religion” even though it sure looked like one at times.
The Ritual of the Comment Bucket seemed to be the method in which Ben could steer the ship with guidance from us. Audience comments were read aloud and entered onto a PowerPoint slide. It was here that Ben added witty little comments of his own and took us down some strange Google rabbit holes. Even this creation of comedic content came down to the approval of the crowd whether he pursued the idea or not.
While there is a structure of sorts (the Bucket will probably feature at least once per night) it is up to the audience to guide the show. On my night, the topic of onions and the weather became the focus through a misheard suggestion. We found ourselves stomping through the bowels of Summerhall chanting “Beef Stroganoff Rain!” Every night is a different experience.
The atmosphere created through Ben’s ambient soundtrack and lighting created on the fly by his Tech (who has just as much idea of what’s happening as we do) is brilliant. It treads the fine line between solemn and euphoric that is perfect for such a free form performance.
Ben Volchok has created something very special with The Ceremony. It may have one foot firmly in immersive, participatory performance art but it will delight and amuse, if your audience allows it to. When the stars align and everything clicks it is a joyous event.
The Ceremony is on at Summerhall until August 26