What are the best and worst things about being locked in a shopfront in Civic for a week? Performance artist Pablo Latona, 28, has the answers. Readers have until tomorrow at 12.30pm to find out for themselves, when Cabin Fever, his week-long performance staged as part of Canberra Living Artists Week, ends. But The Canberra Times has decided to inquire, and in doing so become part of Latona's performance, which is being broadcast on the internet and attracting viewers as far afield as Britain, as well as a steady stream of passers-by in Civic at all hours.

Latona said, ''The worst bit is people banging on the window. It happens all the time.''

This makes it difficult for him to sleep for any sustained period. But he's certainly had plenty to occupy him during his confinement, besides working on his own tricks and routines.

''The best thing has been the moments of humanity that have occurred,'' Latona said, ''getting to chat to people and find out more about them and about life.''

He said people were ''pretty amazing when you trust them ... Being here for a week, I didn't want to make a lot of enemies.''

One drunken man, he said, had called out that if he could get to Latona he would bash him, and even after Latona pointed out the cameras he didn't change his tune.

''Five minutes later I had him inside and got him to throw one of my juggling knives to me and we were the best of friends.''

How did he effect this transformation? ''I didn't assume he was a terrible person.''

It is these moments of unexpected collaboration, as much as the suggestions from onlookers or his own inventions, that he has enjoyed.

From having a ''skin tie'' drawn on his chest by one bystander, to an impromptu ''junk percussion'' session with one passer-by who he noticed was carrying a drumstick carry-bag, these little moments of magic have helped make Cabin Fever a rewarding experience.

Still, he's looking forward to getting out tomorrow, when there will be a parade to the Street Theatre.

Then what will he do? ''Sleep.''

Pablo Latona will be locked in the shopfront next to video-game and internet centre The Barracks in the Sydney Building, Civic.

Or readers can see Latona by visiting his website: www.cabinfever.com.au