Build or Destroy (Research Project)

Written By Rickyah B

Research Overview

An investigation into the great architect who most know as “God”

Research Festival 

For the research festival, I would like to demonstrate what it means to be a bystander or beneficiary of systemic oppression through a show of endurance.

Live Performance

In a series of three rounds, participants will be asked to decide between ending their suffering by inflicting more suffering onto me. 

  • My mom will act as the narrator and read a script provided to her by me that advises the audience and sets the stage for the performance.

Instructions

  • Let’s test the weight of the world’s “truth” that has been fed to us through a series of rigid belief systems sealed by ritual practice. 

  • There were always methods that activated pain in the pursuit of a greater truth. 

  • Humans believe pain and suffering is necessary. 

  • Watch me be cut by life’s sharp edges. 

  • Each player will hold a box.

  • They have a decision to make.

  • Will they trade the weight of responsibility for the illusion of freedom?

  • Watch me carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.

  • Watch you participate. 

Audience Participation

  • Seated audience: Follow instructions given by narrator

  • Standing Room: Spectators expected to observe the performance

Key Words

  • Pain

  • Bias

  • Desire

Space Requirements

  • An even distribution of chairs to form a perfect square

  • Open floor space for seated and standing room

Technical Requirements:

  • Microphone

  • Projector

Precautions:

  • The performance will be alluding to sensitive subject matters such as pain, death, racism, sexism, and religious ideologies

  • This performance is a live experiment and requires audience participation

Rickyah B
Next

London Art Week