Psychodrama and flash mobbing

From James' blog: http://7125-6666.blogspot.com/2007/10/flash-mobbing.html

"Street Theatre, Psychodrama and other forms of participatory theatre and performance art also seem to have some parallels and intersections with flash mobbing. Perhaps flash mobbing is just another form of interactive street theatre?"

This is an interesting connection I'd like to explore. It would be particularly interesting to include a phenomenon which is relatively new (maybe) and integrating with the fascination for modern technology - mobile phones, youtube, facebook etc.

Even though new styles of socialisation are taking place (such as online forums etc), flash mobbing seems to suggest that humans still need to get together in person, in groups to share common goals or ideas, even if the goal appears to be just getting some attention. Perhaps underneath, the goal of each individual is not just to fulfill the need to belong, but also the need to show other people, that they belong to a group of some kind - which is in itself a way of displaying social acceptance.

The bigger the group, the bigger the opportunities for word of mouth to spread to many more people - eg. 40 people each having 6-8 close friendships as well as larger numbers of acquaintances/colleagues - all could hear about the flash mob event - if the event is spectacular enough to get mentioned in the media - the people in the flash mob group may feel a touch of fame or at least importance, and certainly belonging.

However, as experienced by many seeking fame, you can be just as easily forgotten.
The interesting difference I think with flash mobbing, is that, even if the event gets media attention, the individual's are very unlikely to ever be identified - so the emphasis seems to be on group belonging and maybe doing something a little different, unexpected, spontaneous.

It could be an option for people seeking a 'safe' thrill as opposed to an individual who enjoys sky-diving to get a thrill. And a lot cheaper too.

So is flash mobbing just a cheap thrill?