When we decided that the theme of our performance was going to be waiting, we decided that it would be key for us to compile a list of what people were waiting for. Therefore, we decided to conduct public research. First of all, we went into Lincoln city center and asked a number of people what they were waiting for. Then we conducted an online survey and asked people what they were waiting for as well as what they thought the grandstand was waiting for.

These are some of the results we received from the survey-

What are you waiting for?

Waiting for a wedding.

Waiting to become a teacher.

Waiting for pay day.

Waiting for my dinner to go down so I can eat my Crunchie.

Waiting for a less stressful day at work.

Waiting to finish university, get married and have a family.

Waiting for summer.

Waiting to do a 12 hour lambing shift.

Waiting for the next chapter.

Waiting for happiness.

Waiting for my future to begin.

Waiting for my house to be built.

Waiting for my wife.

Waiting to be old enough to join the army.

 

What is the Grandstand waiting for?

A bulldozer.

Something new.

To be used again, like when the horse racing was there.

A new lease of life.

A grand event.

To be decorated.

A facelift.

A race.

A comeback.

To be noticed.

This information will help us devise the work with a better understanding of waiting.

This idea of using public research in performance was inspired by John Newling’s work, Where A Places Becomes A Site. This work took place in Broadmarsh shopping centre in Nottingham where a riddler jacket was hung from the ceiling and trailed along the floor. The audience were asked what they valued most and in return Newling gave them a question mark cut out from the jacket which was then pinned to their clothing. These values were then compiled into a script ready for live performance.

 

At this point we are not sure exactly how we are going to incorporate the research into our performance but we are keen to include it and see how it can improve our work.