Arty Farty in the Playground (AL)

Hop aboard a tourist train and let yourself be whisked away on a journey past three different playgrounds. Blasting from the speakers is DJ Grazzhoppa’s mixtape, which he’s put together by scratching vintage children’s records. At each stop, you’ll be surprised by the work of a different performance artist and witness an event that provokes, moves or makes you laugh.  

Playgrounds have an aesthetic quality all of their own. Their shapes, colours and structures act as a kind of ready-made backdrop in public spaces. Unlike museum pieces, playgrounds are not designed to be viewed, but to be used. Arty Farty in the Playground brings performance art into everyday life. The audience consists of visitors to the Boulevard as well as chance passers-by, whilst children can simply carry on playing.  

Arty Farty in the Playground is suitable for all ages: from the two-year-old, carefree playground visitor to the experienced viewer with a broad perspective.  
 
Liesbet Swings creates art projects at Theater Artemis, at the intersection of visual art, performance and participation. For ‘Arty Farty in the Playground’, she has invited Rob Smorenberg, Tina Schott, Jeroen Stevens and Mariana Senne: four adventurous artists who are not afraid to take on public spaces. And let’s not forget the old-school DJ Grazzhoppa for the soundtrack. 

Practical  
The little train departs from the Parade/St John’s Cathedral and travels to three different playgrounds in the city. At each location, the audience gets off for a 20-minute performance and then gets back on to continue the journey. One full circuit takes about 1.5 hours in total.  

Credits 
Concept by Liesbet Swings  
Performance artists Tina Schott, Jeroen Stevens, Mariana Senne and Rob Smorenberg 
Soundtrack by DJ Grazzhoppa  

Playing dates