Curious Seed’s A Field Happening…NOW was an invitation to gather with one another in a durational dance vigil in solidarity with those facing oppression, apartheid, genocide and state violence across the world. Over 8 hours, dancers took the place of the candle which stays lit during a vigil. The dance moved between and across bodies in an act of embodied hope and a sharing of energy, resources, time, and knowledge.
It was a call to action, whilst holding a space to be in the present moment with others to grieve, give gratitude, reflect and to move towards the world we want to build for one another. A Field Happening…NOW was an invitation to gather in nature to / dance / rest / listen / heal / contemplate / connect / question / play / process / breathe together.
We hope that through giving our attention across 8 hours to people who are currently living through ongoing oppression that we will create new forms of solidarity; growing resilience and resistance.
Dancing for those oppressed/ Dancing for those resisting
Dancing for those no longer here / Dancing for those not yet here
Revisiting Curious Seed’s work Field…Something for the Future NOW, the happening took place in the same site, building on a history of bodies who have danced in this field – in an act of hope and togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was part of Healing Arts Scotland .
Created and facilitated by Curious Seed: Christine Devaney, Vicky Rutherford-O’Leary, Leigh Robieson-Cleaver
Project Coordinator: Hannah Draper
Associate Artists: Skye Reynolds, Karen Tennent, Hannah Draper
Curated contributions from Nada Shawa, Atzi Muramatsu
Thank you to David McCulloch and staff at Historic Environment Scotland | Fiona Ferguson | Healing Arts Scotland | Marina Barham at Al-Harah Theater Palestine | Abida Aslam
Special thanks to everyone who contributed on the day as a participant or as a witness - the collective energy, love and solidarity at this vigil helped to create a space for reflection, hope, and healing.
In line with our values as an organisation, we stand against all forms of oppression, including racism and Islamophobia. We continue to condemn the ongoing atrocities being enacted upon the people of Palestine by the Western-backed Israeli government. We believe art must be enabled to flourish to give hope to all in these dark times, and this event was an act of solidarity with Palestinian artists who continue to resist apartheid and oppression.
Curious Seed is building a relationship towards a future collaboration with the Al-Harah Theater in Palestine. Al-Harah Theater, established in 2005, is a non-profit organisation based in Beit Jala, Bethlehem. Al Harah Theater aims to produce theatre that is well-crafted yet moving, challenging yet accessible, essential, honest and, like Curious Seed, believe that performance has the potential to change the lives of those who make it and those who watch it.
Please consider reading more about and donating to their work: Fundraiser by Diane Thornton : Al Harah Theater: A Voice for Theatre & Culture in Palestine (gofundme.com)