audience feedback
Thank you very much for this lovely, safe and warm piece of theatre. The devices used to induce the willingness to open up, as well as a distance from the intensity of a one-to-one emotional conversation were just right: the costume / the warm up dancing / the whiteboard. Good theatre makes you feel strongly, and this certainly achieved that! The space was very comforting. As powerful as it was simple!
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Gorilla, I'll process this a bit longer and give more detailed feedback later. Perhaps right now I'm feeling touched by the experience and the bravery of the performance and of those who take part.
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Hello Gorilla, I just wanted to let you now that I was a little anxious of this and the suit. Yet it was strangely freeing and liberating. You can come and dance round my kitchen any time!
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Hey Gorilla, as I wrote earlier on the whiteboard; it was unique. The dancing was liberating a mix of feelings some embrassament, judgement of ourselves but mostly liberating. So simple things ('simple' not in a negative way) and so powerful and intense. Thank you for creating such a good experience. Ciao dolce, Gorilla
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
What a beautiful sense of holding. That doesn't normally come easily in a performance. Thank you
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Thank you, Gorilla
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
I found the performance 'weird' but in a cool / good way! I didn't like the dance and singing part but enjoyed the silent conversation. Very different, glad I participated. Thank you Lauren
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Gorilla, I'll process this a bit longer and give more detailed feedback later. Perhaps right now I'm feeling touched by the experience and the bravery of the performance and of those who take part.
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Hello Gorilla, I just wanted to let you now that I was a little anxious of this and the suit. Yet it was strangely freeing and liberating. You can come and dance round my kitchen any time!
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Hey Gorilla, as I wrote earlier on the whiteboard; it was unique. The dancing was liberating a mix of feelings some embrassament, judgement of ourselves but mostly liberating. So simple things ('simple' not in a negative way) and so powerful and intense. Thank you for creating such a good experience. Ciao dolce, Gorilla
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
What a beautiful sense of holding. That doesn't normally come easily in a performance. Thank you
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Thank you, Gorilla
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
I found the performance 'weird' but in a cool / good way! I didn't like the dance and singing part but enjoyed the silent conversation. Very different, glad I participated. Thank you Lauren
Audience Member, The Cellar @DINA, Sheffield UK
Thank you very much. I hope to meet more gorillas like you one day inspiring, honest, hope-filled and caring'
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Your hug filled me with hope and joy. Thank you for listening and for your time talking.
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Thank you so much. It's such a nice and helpful conversation. And I enjoyed i the song and dance.
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Audience Member, Berlin 2017
Along with being safely brought out of my comfort zone in singing and dancing with the gorilla, the sharing of my fear of upsetting others and having them be mad me was a true catharsis, as I had just lived it when I barged into the room. This note is less of an apology for my actions, (though I am truly sorry if it disrupted anything for you), and more of a thank you for the way in which your art helped me confront my fear in a profound, meaningful, (and fun), way. Best of luck to you in this project. You've got a great thing going with it!
Tommy, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Tommy, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you for the lovely dance, the bright eyes and peaceful conversation. Words are completely unnecessary.
Cheb, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I love you Gorilla girl! It was very calming to be beside you, dance and conversate.
Sharon, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you very much for the dance and the chat and the cry
Skye, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you so much for your time. It was very nice meeting you and to share this moment with you
Tobias, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
We talked so much about your show but doing it by myself was completely different than expected. It was much better than I thought it would be. I really loved to dance and sing with you and I did feel so free to tell and share a personal moment with you. Lots of love
Amelia, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Cheb, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I love you Gorilla girl! It was very calming to be beside you, dance and conversate.
Sharon, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you very much for the dance and the chat and the cry
Skye, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you so much for your time. It was very nice meeting you and to share this moment with you
Tobias, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
We talked so much about your show but doing it by myself was completely different than expected. It was much better than I thought it would be. I really loved to dance and sing with you and I did feel so free to tell and share a personal moment with you. Lots of love
Amelia, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was a very interesting and warm moment. I feel much more calm. It's strange how deep you can go in a conversation with a stranger and without words. Like I had a found my soulmate. I wish you all the best things.
Lore, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Lore, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you Gorilla. It was a very comforting sharing a fear, as little and stupid as it feels inside. I felt happy and encouraged after meeting you and it was lovely to share a dance. I wish you all the best. Writing in silence instead of talking was meditative and scary. Its good to go towards scary stuff. Thank you
Noora, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Noora, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
It was an amazing experience! The gorilla will have a special place in my heart. I encountered not only a gorilla but myself too. All is good. Life is good.
Sanna, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Sanna, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you so much for this opportunity! It was really lovely and I'm glad I came. I wish you all the best and hope that you will be happy. I'm sure I will remember this evening and learn from it. It was a healing experience. Thank you again.
Salla, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Salla, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you very much this was healing and very important to me. Wish you all the best
Mia, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Mia, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
It was a nice and amazing to have this experience in my life. It was so peaceful
Rewan, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Rewan, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you. It was a very special touching moment. It is so important to stop and just be. Hugs and kisses
Angelika, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Angelika, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Lovely Gorilla, you were lovely. Thank you, this should be done every week.
Kristina, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Kristina, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
It was a lovely moment with you! I wish you all the best for your father
Petri, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Petri, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you it was easy to tell you about my fears
Leena, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Leena, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
It was an amazing experience! Thank you. Maybe see you in Spain.
Celina, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Celina, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Thank you. It was very fun to spend the time with you. I would do it again.
Laura, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
Laura, Lainsuojattomat, Pori Theatre Festival, Finland 2016
I was very surprised by my reaction to the encounter. I felt extremely vulnerable particularly after dancing. I picked the LONGEST song. Sitting next to the gorilla and discussing my fears made me feel like I was a kid and all my answers started coming from a very childlike place and as 5 year old me would say. Then the grown up in me sort of emerged and I was able to have a dialogue on a white board a shift in perspective a new belief in myself that I am still allowing myself to own. It felt extremely emotional hugging the gorilla and I kept wanting to break away and the more the gorilla hugged me the deeper I wanted to cry. I could not look at the gorilla as I left. It felt raw and where I am in my life right now. That is wonderful.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you for this experience and all the best for you and your amazing and warm performance
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you for this experience and all the best for you and your amazing and warm performance
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was so so simple in a way that made me feel like a child again. It got right to my fear and to my needs...Which ultimately was a hug. Very therapeutic and very beautiful. Keep making this work, the world needs it even if it is one person at a time.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I'd rather sit next to a gorilla then in the Gorki theatre. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for listening and being so curious. It was simple and so touching at the same time.
Katharina, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I'd rather sit next to a gorilla then in the Gorki theatre. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for listening and being so curious. It was simple and so touching at the same time.
Katharina, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Keep on doing what you're doing! You are a creator, doer, maker or whatever term you like best. You do stuff. You make your dreams come true. I really, truly admire that and finally I started to be on my own way into that direction. Lets keep growing and keep on loving. Thanks again for this wonderful moment.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I'm so happy I got to talk to the gorilla, and dance and hug her. At first when I read about the performance I thought it would be something completely different. It was a surprise in the best possible way. By far one of the best one-to-one performances I have seen. Congratulations and thank you again!
Matias, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte
Matias, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte
I'm so surprised, shocked, delighted. This is amazing. So many elements to remove fear from the inside. Thank you so much. I don't know what else to say. This has been a big moment in my life. I'm so impressed. Thanks
Juan, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte
Juan, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte
Wow you took me way out of my comfort zone and back! Never would I have thought to dance, sing and share my deepest fears with a random gorilla, but the process was both enlightening as well as humbling. Thank you for bringing me out of my shell and getting me to share so much with you in such a short period.
Tom, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte 2016
Tom, Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte 2016
This was unique, anonymous yet intimate moment - a nice one. If only more people showed the same curiosity and interest in the strangers around them. Thank you
Ellen, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
I really enjoyed it. It was very different to anything I have watched/participated in. It was a bit emotional.
Nieta, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
It was a lovely and the pacing was perfect. Great ice breaker with the song and dance and deep enough to be personal but light enough not to be awkward it was very enjoyable. Thank you for the experience.
Chris, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
I really enjoyed it. The fact that it was silent really made it easy to talk to a gorilla and helped honesty. Well done.
Samson, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
Thank you so much dear Gorilla much love and precious little moment together
Inka, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
Ellen, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
I really enjoyed it. It was very different to anything I have watched/participated in. It was a bit emotional.
Nieta, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
It was a lovely and the pacing was perfect. Great ice breaker with the song and dance and deep enough to be personal but light enough not to be awkward it was very enjoyable. Thank you for the experience.
Chris, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
I really enjoyed it. The fact that it was silent really made it easy to talk to a gorilla and helped honesty. Well done.
Samson, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
Thank you so much dear Gorilla much love and precious little moment together
Inka, English Theatre, Berlin 2016
Thanks so much. Very funny interludes of the pen not working...I also found it a little funny, and in some ways disturbing, how we can interact so different depending on how a person or organism looks.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was interesting seeing how different it felt opening up to someone who you couldn't see as opposed to a stranger who I would have felt differently about. Love the hug at the end.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I feel a bit fragile now. It's delicate to open to one's fear in such a small time space. Hugging was nice to feel welcome to this fragility.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Really cool and interesting concept! I love that it hasn't been made anywhere else and it's unique of its kind. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Katherine, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was really honest! Well I think the situation was a little difficult for the artist to adapt to, but she did it in a really sensitive way. it's definitely an unique experience.
Svea, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you Lauren Hart for your touching performance. I will never forget it, it will stay in my heart forever.
Jakki, Theaterhuas Mitte, Berlin 2016
That was quite magnificent. Better than therapy you are good, you know something I don't. But it makes me happy.
Lydia, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you for this very interesting experience. It baffled me, stunned me it, made me laugh.
Anand, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
How wonderful and creative. I am so curious as to how this performance came about. A really gorgeous and surreal experience. Made my day. Thank you.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Thank you! Must be hard to encounter so many strangers in one day with all their fears! I hope you can leave them with them at the end of the day. And again- it's absolutely okay to be afraid. I'll go and makes some art now!
Audience member, Berlin 2016
I like the writing/deleting practice and beginning of an honesty. I wish we had more time.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Thank you for the amazing experience. There was somehow a deep connection - A strange moment. It was relieving to talk about one of my biggest fears. Thank you for your written words it helped to see my fear through another's eyes.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Interesting experience. I'm not shy, but I am quite sure that I would have reacted and behaved differently had the person no been dressed as a gorilla (or other). For example, if there is a man or woman in front of us, we behave differently. Also spoken communication and eye contact play crucial roles. I felt liberated when dancing because the person watching was not a person just an anonymous viewer. Most of all my own reactions surprised me, didn't expect to be so open with an unknown person.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
I really enjoyed it. The idea to use the gorilla costume is brilliant. I also like the dance we had it worked very well as a ice breaker. But also a good example of how you can combat fear without referring to it, through the use of a symbol.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
I really enjoyed that. I think the duration was good. Nice and short while just long enough for something to happen. An experience that one doesn't often have in the theatre- the kind of intimacy normally shared only by the audience, and such intimacy being used to actually share something about oneself and not just the objectified piece of art. Its really a treat to feel personally welcomed. I like for that reason that it takes place in an apartment.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
Thank you for the experience. I think the gorilla is very helpful to allow you to be open to talk about personal stuff without being embarrassed. Also I liked that is was about sharing but something more than that. I think that writing notes is great because you cant waste time. The dance helps to connect. It was a interesting experience which you leave without feeling a bit ashamed about having shared something private but still feel lighter because you shared it.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
Great intimate and magical experience.
Audience member 2015, Performance Art Bergen
I was overwhelmed with the openness, the empathy and the fun of the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Audience member. 2015 Saturday Live
I greatly enjoyed this brave and personal piece.
Audience member, 2015 Saturday Live
Gorgeous exchange of pure kindness and fun.
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
Made my day!
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
My favourite ever gorilla experience.
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
The non verbal element coupled with the costume also takes away the barrier between performer and audience as you're not worrying about social niceties.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival
This is Mine. What’s Yours? I thought was great, the intimate setting and clear instructions plus safety mechanisms (whistle) to escape should you become uncomfortable was clear and instantly put me at ease, the fact that you are dressed as gorilla also made it easier to discuss / write and converse without feeling self-conscious.
Audience member, 2014 Northern Art Festival
I thoroughly enjoyed the one-to-one performance. I was slightly apprehensive before I went in. What was going to be expected of me? What was going to happen? What was I going to reveal? But I felt comfortable once I was in the space which made me think more about what I was being asked. The instructions were clear so I knew what to do and the gorilla pointed at what I had to read and the whistle if I wanted it to stop at any time. I liked not seeing the face of the gorilla and not communicating verbally as this made me 'open up' more. I think sitting next to me instead of opposite when we wrote messages to each other helped this. The writing on the pad was helpful too, as what I revealed was quickly wiped away. I liked the silly dancing and singing although I didn't know all the words of the song. I didn't feel put upon to reveal anything I didn't want to and I was happy knowing that my secret wouldn't go any further. I really enjoyed the performance. Simple but powerful.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival
I really like the piece, it was really very touching.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival.
I found it a very charming piece, the exchange with written text somehow makes it easier for me to speak (or write) to someone who is a complete stranger.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was interesting seeing how different it felt opening up to someone who you couldn't see as opposed to a stranger who I would have felt differently about. Love the hug at the end.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
I feel a bit fragile now. It's delicate to open to one's fear in such a small time space. Hugging was nice to feel welcome to this fragility.
Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Really cool and interesting concept! I love that it hasn't been made anywhere else and it's unique of its kind. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Katherine, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
It was really honest! Well I think the situation was a little difficult for the artist to adapt to, but she did it in a really sensitive way. it's definitely an unique experience.
Svea, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you Lauren Hart for your touching performance. I will never forget it, it will stay in my heart forever.
Jakki, Theaterhuas Mitte, Berlin 2016
That was quite magnificent. Better than therapy you are good, you know something I don't. But it makes me happy.
Lydia, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
Thank you for this very interesting experience. It baffled me, stunned me it, made me laugh.
Anand, Theaterhaus Mitte, Berlin 2016
How wonderful and creative. I am so curious as to how this performance came about. A really gorgeous and surreal experience. Made my day. Thank you.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Thank you! Must be hard to encounter so many strangers in one day with all their fears! I hope you can leave them with them at the end of the day. And again- it's absolutely okay to be afraid. I'll go and makes some art now!
Audience member, Berlin 2016
I like the writing/deleting practice and beginning of an honesty. I wish we had more time.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Thank you for the amazing experience. There was somehow a deep connection - A strange moment. It was relieving to talk about one of my biggest fears. Thank you for your written words it helped to see my fear through another's eyes.
Audience member, Berlin 2016
Interesting experience. I'm not shy, but I am quite sure that I would have reacted and behaved differently had the person no been dressed as a gorilla (or other). For example, if there is a man or woman in front of us, we behave differently. Also spoken communication and eye contact play crucial roles. I felt liberated when dancing because the person watching was not a person just an anonymous viewer. Most of all my own reactions surprised me, didn't expect to be so open with an unknown person.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
I really enjoyed it. The idea to use the gorilla costume is brilliant. I also like the dance we had it worked very well as a ice breaker. But also a good example of how you can combat fear without referring to it, through the use of a symbol.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
I really enjoyed that. I think the duration was good. Nice and short while just long enough for something to happen. An experience that one doesn't often have in the theatre- the kind of intimacy normally shared only by the audience, and such intimacy being used to actually share something about oneself and not just the objectified piece of art. Its really a treat to feel personally welcomed. I like for that reason that it takes place in an apartment.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
Thank you for the experience. I think the gorilla is very helpful to allow you to be open to talk about personal stuff without being embarrassed. Also I liked that is was about sharing but something more than that. I think that writing notes is great because you cant waste time. The dance helps to connect. It was a interesting experience which you leave without feeling a bit ashamed about having shared something private but still feel lighter because you shared it.
Audience member, Berlin 2015
Great intimate and magical experience.
Audience member 2015, Performance Art Bergen
I was overwhelmed with the openness, the empathy and the fun of the performance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Audience member. 2015 Saturday Live
I greatly enjoyed this brave and personal piece.
Audience member, 2015 Saturday Live
Gorgeous exchange of pure kindness and fun.
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
Made my day!
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
My favourite ever gorilla experience.
Audience Member, 2015 Live at Leeds Performance Symposium
The non verbal element coupled with the costume also takes away the barrier between performer and audience as you're not worrying about social niceties.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival
This is Mine. What’s Yours? I thought was great, the intimate setting and clear instructions plus safety mechanisms (whistle) to escape should you become uncomfortable was clear and instantly put me at ease, the fact that you are dressed as gorilla also made it easier to discuss / write and converse without feeling self-conscious.
Audience member, 2014 Northern Art Festival
I thoroughly enjoyed the one-to-one performance. I was slightly apprehensive before I went in. What was going to be expected of me? What was going to happen? What was I going to reveal? But I felt comfortable once I was in the space which made me think more about what I was being asked. The instructions were clear so I knew what to do and the gorilla pointed at what I had to read and the whistle if I wanted it to stop at any time. I liked not seeing the face of the gorilla and not communicating verbally as this made me 'open up' more. I think sitting next to me instead of opposite when we wrote messages to each other helped this. The writing on the pad was helpful too, as what I revealed was quickly wiped away. I liked the silly dancing and singing although I didn't know all the words of the song. I didn't feel put upon to reveal anything I didn't want to and I was happy knowing that my secret wouldn't go any further. I really enjoyed the performance. Simple but powerful.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival
I really like the piece, it was really very touching.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival.
I found it a very charming piece, the exchange with written text somehow makes it easier for me to speak (or write) to someone who is a complete stranger.
Audience member, 2014 Wrought one-to-one Performance Festival.