RADICAL GAMES & INTIMATE [R]EVOLUTIONS
SAT & SUN APRIL 5-6th [11AM-4PM] *
RADICAL GAMES & INTIMATE [R]EVOLUTIONS is a two day workshop, which will test and explore how our every-day ability to empathize lies at the intersection of physical and digital communication. drawing from modified CONTACT IMPROVISATION (CI) and THEATRE of the OPPRESSED (TO) techniques we will push our understanding and boundaries of the space between embodied and mediated desires. we will combine virtual and physical forms of communication through a series of exercises and games: incorporating texting, improvised movement, ‘selfies’, monologues, and projected smartphone interactions.
still from BRIGHT BODIES in BLIND COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
featured: JESSICA MARASA, ALEXA TARMAR SMITH, TYNE WILSON
JUSTUS HARRIS is a performance artist and technology researcher exploring mediated intimacy and the experience of illness across generations. he holds a BA in visual & critical studies from THE SCHOOL of the ART INSTITUTE of CHICAGO (SAIC), exhibiting nationally and internationally, most recently with a solo performance at LONE STAR EXPLOSION: HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE ART BIENNALE, TX and upcoming at THEORIZING the WEB 2014, NYC as an invited speaker.
[DAY 1] will be primarily movement based and integrate digital devices such as our smartphones and various sound scores into improvised movement. there will be a few short writing exercises that will help facilitate a personal vocabulary for movement ultimately leading to the
[DAY 2] of the workshop which will focus on collaborative creation of tableaux’s that mix both digital and embodied interaction, discussion, and improvisation within more complex scenarios.**
this workshop is inspired from and encourages discourse around how access to mobile social media technologies (i.e. facebook, twitter, grindr, okcupid and snapchat) are influencing our sense of connection, empathy, and intimacy with one another.
the goal for all participants is to find and contribute to a better understanding of the following.
- at what point do we actually connect with one another emotionally, when is a feeling of connection mutual?
- what combinations of communications lead us toward or away from one another?
what types of information/contact create desire within us? - how are we compelled or repelled by mediated interactions i.e. texts, photo, video?
- what types of interactions allow for high levels of empathy?
- what types of interactions allow us to objectify others?
TOWARDS
a better understanding of the way we can navigate our lives both embodied and digitally to connect with one another.
a greater awareness of to what extent and with what limitations mediating technologies connect us to our environment and the people we are around?
a greater ability to imagine the complex personal trajectories and multifaceted parts of ourselves which are often lost in the space between texts, messages, a glance or combination of all of the above.
please bring your smartphones & chargers, a light snack, and comfortable clothes to move in.
*suggested donation of $10-15*
**(although it is not absolutely necessary attending both days is highly encouraged as exercises will build on each other in addition to fostering comfort within the group)
***the comfort and idea generation of the group is the main objective of this workshop, any and all methods of documentation are open for discussion. there will be an optional waiver to allow limited documentation to be used as part of research for THEORIZING the WEB 2014 conference.***
