Monk Contemporary

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PLAY & PRAY

Is an altar to all of the good gods of the universe. Upon a 3x3m plinth, performing bodies are exhibited alongside art works and daily objects. Improvised performances are played and offered as sacrifices through absurd as well as poetic acts of reverence – moving the body, voice, emotions and thoughts. Art works and daily objects radiate their aura and invite us to be revered through observation and contemplation of their being.

The plinth is oriented to the north, south, east and west, with one contemplation chair placed in each direction. Equally meaningful and unintelligible, the improvised performances are offered as prayers to the present moment. No specific language is spoken, but rather a universal language of expression. Observers observe. Contemplators contemplate. Prayers pray. Audiences watch. It is up to each individual to play their chosen role.

The art works and daily objects are on display in a cabinet and are brought to the plinth to be installed in different constellations. Sometimes the performers interact with the objects. Interested members of the public may join by contemplating on a chair, choosing objects to be displayed and observed, or signing up to improvise their prayers on the plinth. From the sidelines, art historians are invited to analyse and discuss the “aura” of the thing. Does the quality of our attention have an affect on the value of the object?

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Summer Training

Is a performance by Dawn Nilo. Performed by Bibi Enasni, Juno Feierabend, Solemn Javet, Isabelle Jossi, Dawn Nilo, Linus Finn Riegger, and Micha Schweizer.

The team is in training for The Great Game. Keeping within some rather esoteric rules, they show up absurdly, improvise wildly, fail honestly, and offer it all up as a prayer. Pull up a chair or jump in. The game has begun.

Performed on

June 14, 17, 20, from 5 to 7 pm.