A short presentation of the current research sitting with the body and what possibly will stem from it next year is given on the invitation by SPACE and VTI, in the context of  Destinations and the Out Of The Box conference.

^{[>>> more on SITTING WITH THE BODY - the research]}

^{[>>> SWTB image bank September 2013]}

projecting the future - heike lagsdorf 4/9/13, brussels

'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7' will be a retreat in public space, held in the centre of a city, lasting 148 hours. Following a strict time schedule, this group choreography draws physical material from the spheres of dance, religious meditation, handicrafts and political protest. Its images all originate from one single image: that of a sitting body, in a high state of concentration. 'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7' will be performed in a gallery space by people with very different social and professional backgrounds and for a public of passers-by. Depending on the time of the day, it can be observed from outside through display windows or physically joined.

PRACTICE
The production in spe 'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7' results from a year-long movement research based on ‘sitting with the body’, a buddhist exercise for body and mind which teaches us to look inward. Due to an ideal alignment of the skeleton and the movement apparatus, breath can flow undisturbed and the blood circulation is optimized. This withdrawn state can reduce the egoistic drives in a person and helps him to see the bigger context. Together with the choreographer, dramaturge and yoga practitioner Renée Copraij I worked on this and other bodily and mental practices such as walking and standing meditation, Pranayama, chanting, Asanas, Alexander technique, Katsugen, massage, box, Tarot, I-Ching, hand-reading,... In a second phase other people joined the research process too. These co-sitters regularly meet as the SWTB reading group and form the cast of SITTING WITH THE BODY.

HETEROTOPIC PLACE
The location of SITTING WITH THE BODY can be described as a ‘heterotopic place’, a single place wherein several incompatible spaces are juxtaposed. First of all, the choreography occurs in a gallery in the middle of a busy urban area. Just like a shop, a fitness studio, an office or a café it is framed by display windows. Passers-by are separated physically but not visually from what happens inside. The physical separation between performers and their audience also defines the theatrical space: no one thinks of jumping on stage in order to save the dying hero of a play. On top of that, the location echoes a sacred space. Just like a church, a mosque or a temple it is a place reserved for contemplation and prayer and characterized by a strong behavioral codex.

PRAYER CARDS
The images on display are based on forms of meditation, dance, prayer, handwork and peaceful protest. Day and night, they are physically executed or projected in the form of videos. Like prayer cards, they are made for contemplation and prayer. The scenography, costumes, light design and soundscape all serve to intensify these images.

TIME SCHEDULE
'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7' lasts 148 hours. Its different images are structured according to a strict time schedule, characterized by daily repetitions and slight variations. As such, the choreography is juxtaposed to the routine of a city with its working hours, lunch breaks, peek hours and night regimes. At regular moments the door of the gallery will be opened, giving passers-by the opportunity to enter the space and join the performance, thus becoming part of the image. A caretaker will be present to inform and guide these temporary visitors.

WORKING PROCESS
In February 2014 a proto-day will be presented at ZSenne art lab, Brussels. I consider 'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7) a piece for touring, but always adapted in situ. After realizing it in Brussels, I would like to produce it for other cities.

DREAMTEAM
... currently there are conversations with people, with who I would like to work for the Brussels version of 'SITTING WITH THE BODY - 7/7' ...