and while searching for the rest of me, I heard you whispering forgotten stories
participatory workshop at OSC - Sociopsychiatric Institution of Mendrisio & participatory performance at Chiostro di Mendrisio
commisioned by Festival Ticino in Danza 2023
this is a notice calling out for help to remember
this is an invitation to solve a lost and found puzzle
this is an eager attempt to connect the body to its memories
this is an eager attempt to not forget to relate
this is an eager attempt to not forget to dance
this is mainly remembering that what was, what is and what will be, is found in daring to relate to others and the world
will you help me remember?
A participatory device where a fictional character through two formats - a participatory workshop and a participatory performance - mobilizes the updigging, collection and courage to vocalize the personal and collective memories of the community in Ticino, as she finds herself in complete oblivion.
The solidarian and honest sharings of the personal stories in the letters vibrate her body bringing her back to dancing. The remembrances multiply her body to a degree where “she” disappears and what remains is the meaningful connection to the community. Dance becomes the medium for a new journey.
The device was activated for and with the community of OSC - Mendrisio’s Sociopsychiatric Institution with both patients and caretakers taking part as well as the wider community of Ticino at the Chiostro di Mendrisio, where the performance took place.
I deeply thank all my beloved and inspiring colleagues for the exchanges: Sophie Claire Annen , Jan Moellmer , Francesca Cervellino, Roberta Goeta, Eleni Mylona, Priiya and Anna Lemonaki for her mentoring.
Deep gratitude to Alessia della Casa, Silvia Ferrari/mooncult, Giordana Patumi and Festival Ticino in Danza .
“We dream in order to forget. It is required of us to forget many particular trees, before we can know Tree itself.”
A Primer for Forgetting - Getting Past the Past by Lewis Hyde
