Thirst
Two women in matching dress carry a glass vessel to the water and
fill it. They strain under the weight of the heavy jug, but undeterred,
head toward their goal—a small drinking glass on a pedestal. The vessels
are riddled with holes, however, and steadily leak down the front of
the women’s dresses, marking their futile effort, and leaving behind
only a disappearing trail. Even
together, they never are able to fulfill the goal; the glass cannot be
filled.
'Thirst' is dually inspired by two points of reference
related to water: one an ancient myth, the other a current and pressing
global concern. Some of the most prominent sufferers in ancient
mythology are the Danaïds who must forever carry water in leaky jars. By
reperforming the punishment of these mythical women, Longva+Carpenter
are asking questions particular to women’s history and
personal narrative: what are the ways we are still forced to make
unfulfilling choices, and how are we still penalized for taking
responsibility for our futures. 'Thirst' also investigates the
current global water crisis. With the growing scarcity of usable water
and increasing extent of water pollution, toxic fracking runoff, and groundwater overdrafting,
are our personal and political actions enough?
Art Ii Biennial | Ii, Finland | June 2018
Performed for 8 hours
Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen) | Bergen, Norway | May 2013
Performed for 8 hours
Foster Lake | Alfred, NY | May 2011
Performed for 2 hours
