Turret Space

Shannon Cochrane & Jacob Wren | 5 Important Books
In/Spire Performance Series
Working in Residence: December 8 - December 11, 4-8pm
Final Performance: December 12, 8pm

5 Important Books is the second in the new Khyber In/Spire performance art series, funded through the Canada Council Inter-Arts Section.

5 Important Books is the working model for a long play or a short performance about reading.

With 5 tables (each with a book) installed in the Turret Room during the day, Cochrane and Wren will occupy and be available in the space between 4-8pm from December 8-11. As visitors enter and approach a table one of the performers will explain and discuss the book they have approached. The length of interaction between performer and audience is dependent on the viewers' interest in that particular book. While the books are being discussed Chochrane and Wren will also attempt to complete tangential and seemingly meaningless tasks.

A final performance of 5 Important Books will take place Friday, December 12 at 8pm. Admission is free.

Shannon Cochrane has presented performance-based works at artist-run centers, galleries and events in Toronto, London, Montreal, Cleveland, Chicago, and was commissioned twice to create new works in celebration of the Art Gallery of Ontario's 100th anniversary. She is one of the founding members of 7a*11d International Performance Art Festival.

Josh Wren formed Candid Stammer Theatre in 1990. His work attempts to find a way of speaking to the audience casually ­ through both words and movement ­ that is both ironic and sincere in acknowledging the fact that communication is often uncomfortable and difficult. Previous productions include: How An Intellectual Can Aspire To Savagery! But Love is Too Simple To Save Us and I Cut, You Bleed. His published works include: My Tongue, My Teeth, Your Voice, 62 Rock Videos For Songs That Will Never Exist and Unrehearsed Beauty. He recently directed his first short film, So Beautiful (1999, Toronto International Film Festival).