Ever-increasing numbers of surveillance cameras in train stations, pedestrian zones and parking garages has caused a controversial discussion on the subject. On the one hand, cameras lead to a decrease in criminal activity in the surveilled zones and the overall security of individuals is increased. On the other hand, say critics of the plan, the cameras lead to the total surveillance of all of social space, the loss of basic rights and privacy violations. Among these critics are the Surveillance Camera Players. The SCP is a New York group of action-artists that has produced a unique form of protest. They perform theater pieces and sketches for the cameras. Previously staged only for security guards and police officers, their plays -- Poe's "The Raven" or Orwell's 1984, performed in a New York City subway -- can now be enjoyed on the group's Web page.

Originally published January 2000 by XXXXX. Translated from the German by Bill Not Bored.

Contact the Surveillance Camera Players

By e-mail Info@notbored.org

By snail mail: SCP c/o NOT BORED! POB 1115, Stuyvesant Station, New York City 10009-9998