The following performance score is designed to inscribe bodies in space and to set up a community. The score was inspired by the construction of a skatepark in Palestine, which I was involved in during September and October 2015. When constructing a skatepark transitions (ramps) are measured out in the space through the construction of quarter circle forms in chip board, which are used as a guide when concrete is added. Whilst I was in Palestine working on the skatepark, I was taught how to make form work and became interested in using body measurements as the radii of circles that transitions could be formed from. Each element of this score is inspired by a particular aspect of the construction work and the social involvement of the local community. It became interesting to me to consider how these elements transfer to other places, and to explore how body, space, community and freedom can be explored through these forms and this work.
Form Work (2015) by Dani Abulhawa
This score is for two performers and any number of observers/commentators. The two performers are encouraged to speak different languages to each other for the duration.
The performers occupy a space with the following: one pair of scissors, one knitting needle, two balls of twine (at least 10 metres each), two marker pens, two pencils, and one tape measure (at least two metres). A sound playback device is also needed, and a selection of music in any format – provided by the performers and/or by the observers/commentators.
One performer chooses a body part or area on the other performer to measure. This measurement is then used as the radius of a circle, which is drawn out on the floor of the space using any/all of the materials listed above.
The performers take it in turns to choose body parts on each other. They work together to draw out each circle. The location of each circle on the floor should be determined by some agreed upon logic.
Observers/commentators should bring refreshment offerings (drinks, food) for the performers to the space with them. At any point the observers feel it relevant they can play a piece of music or a song. Whenever music is playing the observers and performers should take some time to dance in the space using the circles that have already been marked out.
When all of the performers’ body parts have been measured out in circles on the floor, everyone in the space agrees upon a final song or piece of music to be played. The performers (and any observers/commentators remaining) dance within the space.