This work represents our need to exist as subjects who shape their social identity through interaction. It consists of three levels of communication throughout the performance. On one hand, the live connection through Zoom, on the other hand, the symbolic parallel connection: the individuals join hands together in action, each on their own way, Tonia is undoing her make-up and Ilias is doing his, and after a while, Ilias is getting dressed to ‘go out’ while Tonia is taking off her clothes. On the third level of communication they share a personal solidarian moment and choose to be connected emotionally, to be transformed and uncovered. This work acts as a critique to the social and political characteristics that define human behaviour based on gender. The folk music background, inspired by the places of origin of the two performers, lacks the purpose for which it has been created (revel). The traditional dance song ‘kalamatiano’ as well as the analogous albanian nuptial chant, both of which embody patriarchy as much as tradition, since they constitute an integral part of the obsolete ‘important’ societal ceremonies such as engagements, weddings, baptisms etc, are being placed in a new ceremony, out of space and time, thus reverting their intent. We undo this purpose as we do within our everyday battles, putting our bodies forward, claiming our rights with our voices and counting the losses of our sisters. Our actions aim at striking irrevocably at patriarchy, homophobia, racism, stereotypes and behaviours that impose the compliance to the notions of masculinity or femininity.
#stereotypes #traditionalmusic #undoingpatriarchy #againsthomophobia #diy
