Epileptic seizure to be performance art

by Rickie Davies

A dancer who wants to induce an epileptic seizure on stage for a paying audience has been awarded almost £14,000 by the Arts Council.

Rita Marcalo has stopped taking her anti-convulsant drugs and during the performance will be exposed to strobe lighting and deprive herself of food and sleep in an attempt to induce a fit.

During the performnce an alarm will sound alerting the audience when Marcolo’s seizure has begun; meanwhile other performing artists will entertain the audience while they wait.

According to the Playhouse in Bradford, where the event will be staged, the audience will be encouraged to film the seizure on their mobile phones.

Risky

An epileptic sufferer who wishes to remain unnamed, said: “I think it’s very risky for her to be off her medication to put on that stunt. It’s something that can kill people and as a sufferer, having a fit is not the best experience in the world. It’s very hard to deal with a fit because you don’t know when, where and how bad it will be”

Hana Schwarz a student form London College of Communication said: “I think it’s a bit sick, I will not pay to go watch her. I think it’s because people don’t easily get shocked nowadays so they are trying to find ways to shock audience, it’s not very tasteful.”

According to Marcalo, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 17, this is a way of showing her fans and upcoming talent that disability should not stop them from doing what they love best.

She says she wants epilepsy to be known as “an invisible disability.”

Lucy Olaffson from epilepsy action said: "we recognise that everyone is free to make choices about their own health, however we are very concerned that a person with epilepsy would stop taking their anti-epilepsy medication voluntarily in order to induce a seizure. This can lead to brain damage or death even."

She added: "It's also concerning that the performance could influence others to do similar. We have had several complaints about this and I am sure many of our members would also consider her performance inappropriate."

Michelle Coverley, an aspiring actress, justified Marcolo’s performance by saying: “Maybe she is trying to bring a positive view on epilepsy... I see it as a body art but i don't support people filming it on their mobile phones."

The 24-hour performance, by Rita Marcalo will begin at 1pm on December 11 at the Bradford Playhouse.

 

See also: Art goes one step too far