like if we live in a slaughterhouse
The excluded flesh
Project made as part as
This stage performance/installation is the continuation of I want to be a female animal in 2021. It opens a discussion on the female body and the stereotypes that put it in tension, The emphasis is now on the visual contrasts and connections between a cow body and the female flesh.
The parallel is radicalised: how our bodies are so similar, how the colours on stage (red, shining yellow and blue, black and pink) aim to the fact that we navigate societies which force us to be exhibited and on sale, like if we live in infinite museums, galleries, warehouses, supermarkets and slaughterhouses.
On stage the performer makes the audience feeling uncomfortable, observed, using devices and strategies like frontal stand up dialogues, open microphone, voice in off giving strict instructions, songs in live and a dance that puts the body at its limit: the limit of exhaustion, violence and vulnerability.
Nora is still the main character, symbolic figure, shaped as an inflatable doll to arise lust and desire, then to produce disgust and shame. Beauty is a matter of hunger and almost a need today, but also a reason to play with guilt, vindication and noises, a lot of noises and disturbance.
The invitation is to take a step further: to think together, frontally and directly, about the hardness of carrying many cultural charges while being a woman, but also the power still found in our flesh, once we remove those rigid structures and are able to bring it to a public space. Exactly as it is: fragile and strong, imperfect and powerful. Like a cow.
Dedicated to all cows in the world.
To all flesh feeling excluded.
CREDITS
Performer, direction and concept
Karina Pino Gallardo
Co-direction, photo sooting/edition
Alessandra Santiesteban
Video edition
Pedro Ambrosoli
Documentation
Alessandra Santiesteban
Karina Pino Gallardo
Aline Xavier Minheiro
Production
Akademie Schloss Solitude (fellowship 2022-2023)