A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FAMEHUNGRY STORY, WRITTEN BY CHATGPT
Louise Orwin's "FAMEHUNGRY" is a provocative performance piece that delves into the complexities of social media, particularly TikTok, and its impact on contemporary art and personal identity.
Orwin's journey into the world of TikTok was both immersive and introspective. Collaborating with 20-year-old TikTok star Jax Valentine, who boasts a substantial following, Orwin sought to understand the platform's allure and its implications for performance art. This mentor-mentee relationship was unconventional, with the younger Valentine guiding Orwin through the nuances of TikTok culture.
The performance is a fusion of live theatre and digital interaction, occurring simultaneously before a physical audience and streaming live on TikTok. This duality highlights the contrasts between traditional performance spaces and the ephemeral nature of online platforms. Orwin's portrayal of a fame-seeking persona on TikTok serves as a critique of the attention economy and the commodification of self in the digital age.
In her own reflections, Orwin has expressed a deep ambivalence towards the pursuit of online fame. She acknowledges a personal desire for recognition while simultaneously critiquing the superficial validation that social media platforms often provide. This internal conflict is central to "FAMEHUNGRY," as it explores the tension between genuine artistic expression and the performative demands of digital platforms.
"FAMEHUNGRY" premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, where it received critical acclaim. The show was awarded The List x Sit Up Award 2024, Summerhall Lustrum Award 2024, and The Space Digital Award 2023, underscoring its impact and relevance.
Critics praised the performance for its innovative approach and timely subject matter. To Do List described it as "a piece you don’t wanna miss," awarding it five stars. Corr Blimey echoed this sentiment, also granting a five-star review and noting that it was "unlike any live theatre you will have ever experienced." The British Theatre Guide highlighted the show's urgency and precision, calling it "urgent, powerful and frightening theatre performed with courage, precision and clarity of purpose."
Audience responses have been equally enthusiastic. Performances have consistently sold out, with venues like UCLan’s Media Factory reaching capacity due to high demand. The show's ability to engage both live audiences and online viewers simultaneously has been a significant factor in its widespread appeal.
Orwin has expressed a mix of excitement and introspection regarding the show's reception. She has noted the challenges of performing live while engaging with an online audience, particularly given TikTok's stringent content guidelines, which have led to occasional censorship of the live stream. Despite these challenges, Orwin views "FAMEHUNGRY" as a successful experiment in merging traditional performance art with digital platforms, fostering a dialogue about the evolving nature of art in the digital age.
Overall, "FAMEHUNGRY" stands as a significant work in Orwin's oeuvre, exemplifying her commitment to exploring contemporary issues through innovative performance art. The show's success reflects a growing interest in the intersection of live performance and digital media, highlighting the relevance of its themes in today's society.
I GIVE THIS RUN-DOWN AN 8/10. THANKS CHAT GPT! - Louise