Discrete | Diskret

'Discrete | Diskret' is three linked performances exploring obligation and oppression—both external and internalized—and the ways we all succumb to and reinforce a cultural system that prevents true cooperation.

In Part 1, the artists are bound by a long band, facing away from the other, holding the other’s weight, leaning sharply, almost flying, but one sudden move throws off the balance, causing an ungraceful slip. The artists are each trying desperately to inhale a dangling feather through a narrow drinking straw. Their breathing constricted, they struggle for the feather, fully dependent upon but also impeded by the other. The artists in Part 2 slump into faceless pillows, facing walls or glass windows, though never able to see the other. They explore the artificiality of emotion as laughter mimics crying, using up their breath. In Part 3, the artists face each other, finally, but their vision is soon obstructed as each breath fills an oversized balloon. The inflatables fill the space between them, then strain for enough space, rubbing and bumping, nearly bursting, as the twin forms echo the fatigued lungs.

If only we could notice the other as more than a brace for our own distress. In ways both global and personal our culture glorifies isolated individuation. In response, the artists strive to honor our messy, mismatched, embodied humanity.

Performed each for 3 hours