Inspired by a debilitating burnout of the artist, The Office Stage explores how to take a break by pretending you are working. A question rooted in a culture where taking breaks is only encouraged if they are increasing one’s work performance.
The improv performance activates stage props by drawing from performative gestures of work and rest found as common tips in online forums that give thorough advice on questions like “How can I look busy at work when I have nothing to do” and “What’s the easiest way to get fired?”.
The visuals of the stage props – a lasercut office desk and tablecloth – are mimicking the perfect messiness of stock photos created to visualize professionalism.
