Probably The Most Important Research Study In The History Of People

A private experience for two strangers, styled as a silly, mysterious (but “totally legitimate”) research study into human behaviour, conducted by the renowned “Dr. Disco”. This experience was designed to lead guests through a series of increasingly silly and more embodied, energetic, and cooperative tasks and challenges, before literally dropping the curtain to reveal a colourful, disco-ball-encrusted backdrop and an invitation to join in a climactic silent-disco, singing-in-the-shower-style DJ dance party personalized just for them.

After settling down, guests are told that this whole absurd exercise has been in service of encouraging these two strangers to connect with each other over the shared experience of getting out of their heads, into their bodies, and dancing like nobody’s watching: one of my own consistent entry points for joy, that I have attempted to share with them through this exercise.

The final invitation is to leave the tent as an official “Agent of Joy” (complete with an official badge). Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to hold onto their rose-coloured glasses, find someone they meet in their day — another stranger, a loved one — and create a moment to gift the glasses to them. The hope is that they will pass some of the positive energy from this experience along by creating an unexpected moment of joy for whomever they choose.

First exhibited in New York City, November 19, 2023.

Final Portfolio Project for the Odyssey Works 2023 Experience Design Certificate Program.

Credits

Concept & Performance: David Jermyn

Script & Props: Anna Douglas, David Jermyn

Fabrication: Andrew Jermyn