What would happen if durational performance centred the chronically ill and fatigued body? What does an inclusive approach to performance art and movement practice, look, sound and feel like?
The discipline of performance art tends to enshrine performances of extreme length and gruelling physical and/or mental endurance. Contemporary art, at least for the last 50 years, has been thrilled by the spectacle of performance works taking place over hours, even days (and sometimes even longer). The practice of performance has been marked – for some, even defined – by works of extended duration. We have come to expect – even revere – the “look of time” in performance.
What we haven’t done is examine what this means for disabled bodies, chronically ill and/or fatigued bodies – for artists who might wish to explore performance, but whose bodies simply have limits which foreclose the possibility of a long performance. And yet we know that the body operates as both a critical site of knowledge, and perhaps the most powerful artistic medium of all.
‘Chronic’ is a performance workshop and event which will centre the chronically unwell body in performance. Together, in an atmosphere of curiosity and gentle enquiry, we attempt to unpack some of the assumptions and norms underlying performance practice over time, and ask whether new modalities and approaches are needed.
Guided by experienced performance practitioners, we will explore inclusive approaches to performance and movement practices and discuss the possibilities of short-form performances. Our aim will be to collectively develop new performance concepts that respect, and are informed by, the lived experience of disabled, chronically ill and fatigued bodies. The day will begin and end with guided meditations and small collective rituals. The event will take place within a lower light environment with guided wayfinding and trained sighted guides available. All bodies are welcome.
The day will be guided by performance practitioners Emiko Artemis and Michaela Bear and feature tea ritual performances with artist Jingwei Bu.
Feature Image: Emiko Artemis (2026), Adelaide Contemporary Experimental. Photography by Lana Adams.
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