In tandem with the performance practice and research symposium Stepping Forward, in collaboration with 421, Alserkal Avenue and NYU Abu Dhabi, I am giving a two-part workshop on performance art writing.
In the first session, we will consider how performance both differs from and overlaps with theatre, dance, and other forms of time-based media, as well as the following questions: What is the role of place in performance, and are there modes of performance art unique to the UAE, the Gulf, the broader region? What is the function and responsibility of written, as opposed to visual documentation? And how do we locate—and dislocate—the body in a performance piece?
Armed with these tools, participants will be asked to write a piece responding to one of the commissioned performances of Stepping Forward, to be workshopped in the second session. Performances will take place on February 18th (421 – Abu Dhabi) and February 19th (Alserkal Avenue – Dubai).
The sessions will take place on February 17th from 4PM – 6PM and on February 25th from 11AM – 1PM. Both sessions will be held at 421.