Marvin Gaye Chetwynd AKA Spartacus Chetwynd AKA Alalia Chetwynd. Her name changes alone suggest a fascination with character, identity and popular culture. Chetwynd's work most often takes the form of large scale performances - physical orchestras of people, costumes and props that form surrealist narratives, bridging the gaps between performance art, theatre and film. They allude to a carnival atmosphere, celebrations of colour and human energy, with Chetwynd performing and playing the role of director whilst allowing for individual expression from the actors. Within these she makes playful references to film and television (such as her Brain Bug based on a character from 1997 sci-fi epic Starship Troopers, various Star Wars references in The Green Room and her Cat Bus based on anime classic My Neighbour Totoro). But her work is more than simply 'fun'. A complex depth of social issues are explored through the scenes she constructs, from democracy to human morality. I enjoy the energy of her work and the balance she sits on between humour and sincerity. I am increasingly concerned with character, costume and props within my own practice, and how the use of such devices can be used to engage the viewer and become symbolic of popular culture and personal emotional states. Further inspiration from Chetwynd lies in the involvement of other performers within my work as well as the way in which it is displayed through the installation of video and sculptural forms.