What Was a Feminist Doing in 13th Century China? Saving the World
Through horror, humor, and drama this playlist exposes women’s struggles across history. Spoiler: they’ve been superheroes. In “Drama House / Life: A User's Manual” by Alexandra Dementieva, you get to peek in on the residents of an apartment building through panoramic windows. The artist’s work is a recording of an interactive exhibition where visitors could influence the storyline by pressing a doorbell. Get ready for the comedy to take a dark turn as the next curtain lifts, exposing flashes of violence. “The New Model” by Jemima Burrill symbolizes the pressures and expectations that society imposes on women. The main character emerges from a car trunk, puts on an apron, and heads to the car wash attendants. They vacuum her, soap her up, rinse her down, and blow-dry her. What will she transform into in the end and become the person she’s always dreamed of being? In the dance video “CALIMA” by Mira Rosa Plikat, the director highlights the strengths and struggles of women. The film is inspired by the natural landscape of El Hierro, an island formed by volcanic eruptions. On this rugged landscape, the dancers embody the duties, responsibilities, and challenges that women have faced for millennia and still confront today. “Ladies Room (2000)” by Cui Xiuwen is a documentary in which the director recorded candid conversations of sex workers from a popular Chinese nightclub. As we listen to these women talking with each other, clients, and their families, the boundaries between different social layers blur. “Does It Still Matter” is the trailer for Noémi Büchi’s new audiovisual show. The dancer's body mirrors every sound of an analog synthesizer, blending music and movement. The artist wants the audience to lose track of time and fully embrace the present moment. “IN SIDE OUT” by Fenia Kotsopoulou uses sharp movements and intense music to capture the daily discomfort, risk, and uncertainty that women experience. The artist teaches us how to recognize our inner reactions to unpleasant events, helping us gain control over our emotions and our bodies if we are in real danger. Even the most progressive and fearless are haunted by inner demons that criticize, scold, and tear them down. In “Cyber_limbo_001” by Vitória Cribb, you can see what these demons look like. The artist has designed electronic Vigilantes with oversized ears and eyes. See if they remind you of the forces that disrupt your own life. “Piñata” by elena knox is a sci-fi comedy film where the TARDIS from “Doctor Who” lands on the 13th-century Silk Road. This time, it’s not just any traveler who steps out, but a feminist armed with an axe, smashing words, myths, history, and patriarchy.
