Boxes | 2023
Our society's obsession with sorting people into social boxes places heavy weight on the backs of individuals with marginalized identities.
Instructions given to the group before entering the room: The performance ends once every rock has been sorted into the boxes, or when the weight of the sorting can no longer be endured.
Personal Reflection:
Each rock placed made my back feel increasingly sore, my arms shake more and more. Unexpectedly, the group eventually realized that there was no rule against helping to lift the box off my back. By the end of the performance, the group was fully supporting the immensely heavy boxes, alleviating me of all pressure and freeing me to stand up on my feet. It's beautiful what can happen when people take action to lift oppressive systems and support each other.
Participant Excerpts During Performance:
"Each rock adds more weight.”
“Should we keep going? According to the instructions we should.”
“Can we support the weight? There’s no rules against that.”
“This is called teamwork.”
“There’s still so many left.”
“Let’s get some support on here.”
“Almost there!”
“This is a heavy load of rocks.”
“We’re done, get out!
