Last year I had the opportunity to share a part of my research in “ostentation” during a 4 days workshop Without Filter. On that occasion we experimented with the ancient meaning of the word ostentation in the spirit of fantasy, and explored – through writing, singing and improvisation – the ways of relating to our own fantasies in a group situation. At the same time we were asking ourselves whether this moving closer to our fantasies can play an important part in our self-empowerment.

In this new edition of the Syndicate platform, I’m glad to come back to present the result of this research, my performance called Ostentation Project, and to meet a group of students that would like to delve deeper into the topic of ostentation. On this occasion I would like to focus on the important role that the use of objects plays in this topic – by means of developing different exercises with the objects and transforming the perspective of our relationship in society through an experience that invokes our ulterior need to “show off” or “ostentate”, we shall question our own relation to the need of ostentation. Taking into account the frictions that this might bring, this workshop strives to create a warm common ground and allows ourselves to research this topic by giving ourselves up – to the fantasy, to immediate truth and understanding of the other. If we manage to move closer towards the other (the other in an expanded sense) by means of a new way of empathy and understanding, we can move towards a life in a non-fascist collective rather than towards the states of emergency which are traded as commodities. The students who feel the desire to take part in an open presentation of this 3 days workshop, will be invited to give a short presentation that will take place before the performance Ostentation Project. (Sophia Rodríguez)
 
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Sophia Rodríguez: Ostentatious Communities 201000
3 day-long performative workshop

When and where:
Workshop: Sun – Thu 12 – 14 Apr, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Old City Power Plant
The exact schedule will be determined in the week of the workshop.
Public presentation: Thu 18 Apr at 8:30 p.m. in the Lobby of Old City Power Plant

Application:
Performers with stage experience (actors, dancers, performers, acrobats, clowns) interested in edgy performative genres. Attendance at all three days of the workshop is obligatory. Attendance at the final performance is desired but is not a condition to take part in the workshop. Please send us a short description of your stage experience when you apply and also write a short motivation letter describing the reasons why you would like to attend.

Application deadline:
Please send us your application with a short description of your knowledge and motivation letter at sindikat@emanat.si before Wednesday, 9 April 2020.
The number of participants is limited; in case of large interest, we reserve the right to make a selection.

Workshop fee: 30 EUR

All performers at Syndicate of Outlandish Entities can attend the workshop free of charge but still need to apply in time.