The Sifnos Crisis Project

 

In July 2013 I participated in the Sifnos Crisis Theatre workshop - a two week project based around the EU crisis which had nine different theatre companies from countries all over Europe. It took place on the Greek Island of Sifnos and incorporated full days of workshops designed for us to share and participate in each other’s skills, as well as showing our own pieces in the final days of the trip. 

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http://sifnoscrisis.wordpress.com/

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As part of the UK contingent, I performed in an excerpt of this play, which was about rape, intimidation, interrogation and violence in the military - intended (in this context) to be a symbol for the crisis and harsh austerity measures that many in Europe are subjected to right now. 

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Rehearsal of ‘The Interrogation-Part 1 The End of the World As We Know It’, written by Yasmine Van Wilt; Directed by Ioli Andreadi.

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Performers: Rebecca Morris, Timothy O'Hara and Haakon Smestad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 7th, 2013: The Graveyard - performance on the island of Sifnos, for the Sifnos Crisis Project

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The sound of a horn rings out - prompting participants to gather at the entrance to the space. The participants feet are washed before they enter - a motif of cleansing and purification before entering ‘the graveyard’.  A slow, repetitive percussion beat plays. Beforehand, each participant donates a personal object and message to their future selves. These objects have been placed around the space for people to pick up and observe, whilst the voice of Yasmine Van Wilt sings coming of age songs taken from her own Native American tribal ancestry. 

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Participants are faced with their mortality, but in keeping with the traditions of Native Americans are encouraged to celebrate themselves and each other through what each object symbolises about them, and also their transition into life as an adult.

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Devised and performed by Yasmine Van Wilt and Rebecca Morris. Photography by Horta Rosario.

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