HECKLERS

Those that rudely interrupt with unfriendly statements or questions at the most inconvenient of times, causing distraction, and sometimes even destruction, through doubt. The term is most famously associated with stand up comedians, who, with the right amount of skill and experience, often make the heckler wish they never heckled at all. More on that later...

The heckler can be found far away from the stage. There’s a heckler in every moment when one lacks self-belief. When one isn’t sure if they can cross this or that threshold. When someone, or something stands in the way. The doubt can be external or come from within. Sometimes it has a very literal form. Sometimes it’s a voice. Sometimes it’s a feeling.

It is my belief that everyone has a heckler at some point in their lives. With the imposter syndrome present when starting a new job, moving to a new country and continent, mine is louder than usual right now. I’m not quite sure how I’d express it. Perhaps it’s a smiling face that looks like me but a bit wrong. And it’s singing a song I love, but the high note is butchered every chorus, and I cringe a little every time. And that makes me freeze mid-conversation. But of course I’m the only one that can hear the song. And I’m the only one who knows how it’s meant to be sung.

I invite you to conjure your own heckler into a work of art. It may be fantastical or all too real. A photographic memory of a childhood bully, a faceless boss or an antagonistic colleague, An imaginary friend /enemy/ frenemy. A voice or manifestation that’s every bit as real as anything that those around you can also experience.

The goal is to create a cast of characters that display the complicated spectrum of human anxiety to inhabit the gallery for the duration of the exhibition. A display of hopes, dreams, and the fears and doubts that follow and take on a life of their own. They may be a heckler you have long quietened. An antagonist firmly left in the past. They may be a heckler you are dealing with Right now, one that is difficult to talk about, but may be easier to express than explain.

So, back to that opening definition, and the ingenious ways that greats, from George Carlin to Patti Harrison, have dealt with them. Ultimately, they’ve learned to live with these detractors. When they rear their head (or heads, let your imagination loose), they are prepared. Ready to turn them into inspiration, joy and even into supporters and fans.

Video based submissions are also encouraged. Film / animation / sound pieces will occupy our cInema.

I’m excited to hear the stories behind your hecklers if you feel comfortable to share. I encourage you to experiment across forms in bringing them to life. I look forward to meeting them all.