VINCULOS / TIES _ Performance

The performance “Vinculos” explores the complexities of human connection through the tactile act of embroidery.

Divided into four distinct moments, it invites the audience to contemplate the importance of physical proximity and the transformative power of touch.

In the opening moment, “Approaching,” two women don masks and, armed with needles and thread, delicately attempt to embroider each other’s masks while wearing them. This slow, intimate gesture symbolizes the desire for connection juxtaposed with the inherent risk of causing harm, highlighting the delicate balance between care and vulnerability.

The second moment, "Exchange," features clothing adorned with amulets representing personal stories, cultures, and experiences. By sewing these amulets onto each other's clothing, the performers explore the intersections of identity and common history.

“Ties,” the third moment, sees the artists tie their masks and clothing together, symbolizing the closeness and interconnectedness that emerges from physical contact. By weaving intricate knots and braids, they establish the bridges forged between themselves and the others through the act of touching.

The participatory aspect of the performance unfolds in the final moment, "Net", where the audience is invited to join in creating a sprawling network of interconnected garments. Each participant contributes to the collective tapestry, symbolizing unity and community that emerge when individuals come together.

As the performance draws to a close, the performers delicately remove the intertwined garments, taking care not to break the bonds formed during the ritual. The web of connections, suspended in time and space, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human contact to create and sustain leaps of empathy and understanding.