A Blind Ditch project, 2008

The idea of public space as an inclusive theatre of surprise and community construction is a rare priority to town planners, developers and architects. Modern purpose built urban landscapes tend to limit what’s off purpose –  public access and community ownership are two entirely different concepts.
Global Player was developed in response to the increasing corporate ownership of city centre space in Britain and the changing sense of what is permissible and acceptable behaviour in a range of public environments. Made from recycled bicycle parts and fitted with a towbar for easy pulling, the Global Players stop with the specially designed table at specified places in each city, offering to play a game against willing members of the public before moving on.

“Setting up the table always feels like a big statement, putting the four legs down is like staking out a territory however mobile we look. A new and unknown spot can feel like being inside an ill-fitted suit, a bit exposed and maybe even dangerous, but with the space evolving over time it becomes all ours and that of the people who play us. Once we are rolling people have to queue for their game, and often they stay around for ages even after they have played. The concept of colonising a space is taking a form in this performance.” Blog entry from our 2008 tour.

Lead artist Volkhardt Müller, associate artists Augusto Corrieri and Tim Dollimore; guest players Owen Griffiths and David Williams. Toured through Brighton, Cardiff, Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter, Global Player was hosted and supported by The Basement, Chapter Arts Centre, Creative Torbay, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter City Council and the BBC.

Find links to the full web documentation on the project website