Recycled in Death (2016) 2h

A Performance of Life and Death

Introduction

We are all connected by a cycle of life and death. This cycle is called Samsara. It means that we are born and reborn in different forms and worlds. Our actions and intentions affect our rebirths. Furthermore, we learn more about life’s mysteries in each rebirth.

 

The Six Realms of Samsara

Samsara has six realms of rebirth: heaven, human, animal, hungry ghost, hell, and asura. Each realm has its own features and challenges. They reflect the mind of the beings who live there. For example, heaven is peaceful and blissful, while hell is painful and suffering. Human is balanced and opportune, where we can free ourselves from the cycle.

 

The Performance of Nudity

Imagine a performance that shows this cycle with nudity. Two naked people stand before us. They are not afraid or ashamed of their nakedness. They use it as a natural and honest way to express themselves. They also use it as a tool to communicate a deeper message.

 

New birth

On their bodies, they break eggs. Each egg is a new existence, a new birth. They break them on their arms, torsos, legs, and mouths. The egg runs down their skin, like the life force in them. Like they share the life force of each other, they eat the egg. In addition, they also give the egg to us, asking us to join them in this exchange.

 

Transforming

On their bodies, they also put eggshells. They transform and are reborn with them. The eggshells look like eggs again, but they are different. They are empty and fragile, but they also have potential and beauty. With them, they decorate their flesh, showing the essence of eggs again. They are ready for a new start.

 

Conclusion

This performance makes us see the beauty of life and death. It makes us think about our role in this cycle. It makes us feel the connection with all beings and the eternal dance of existence. Moreover, it also makes us go beyond our bodies and personalities and find our true nature. It inspires us to seek liberation from Samsara or help others do it. Lastly, it reminds us that nudity is not only physical but also spiritual.

Body art installation

Concept developed by performance artist Philemon Mukarno, co-created by body artist AgA Wi and directed by Honza Svasek.

Performaces:
Friday 2 September 2016 at 18:00
Saturday 3 September 2016 at 18:00
Sunday 4 September 2016 at 16:15
Wednesday 5 September 2016 at 18:00
Thursday 6 September 2016 at 18:00
Compagnietheater, Kloveniersburgwal 50, 1012 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands

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