Wit(h)ness
m/Othering as wit(h)nessing
Dramaturgy or Mothering? Iris Writze explores the caring act of being with someone as their creative process unfolds.
Text: Photos: Iris Writze
© Iris Writze
© Iris Writze
I once took this workshop called „Who needs a dramaturg" by Guy Cools, where he introduced the idea of wit(h)ness. It involved an exercise in pairs, where one person would be moving with their eyes closed, the other one witnessing them from the outside, moving along to make sure they won't bump into any other closed-eye bodies. Not interfering, just being with.
© Iris Writze
© Iris Writze
The moment I grew fond of François was when he greeted me each morning, chirping, "Guten Morgen, Schatz!". We were both participating in a one-month training program for choreographers. First thing I noticed were his feet. "It's my bread and butter, <insert name>" – I would hear him say, not only to me, but everybody who pointed out his pointe.
© Iris Writze
Throughout that August, I saw him carry his Shakti pillow wrapped around his torso like a baby. Smoke breaks with his blue IQOS, the scent of heat cream. Grabbing Asian food after long nights in the studio, preparing for our final showings, end of August.
© Iris Writze
© Iris Writze
End of August, again, a year later. François had gotten a residency at the very same rehearsal space, developing his final showing into his first solo. Without having noticed, I had witnessed not only his performance unfolding, but his creative process. In a way, it is an intimate experience. Like sharing your first drawings with your parents. Except now, they might be outside-eyes, dramaturgs, friends, or m/Others.
A project on the theme of M(OTHER)ING, realized in collaboration with the Applied Photography and Time-Based Media class led by Prof. Maria Ziegelböck at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Created as part of Yasmina Haddad's MATCH! #4 course.
The interrelationship between photography, fashion, and casting is examined, with a focus on the relationship between photographer and subject—and vice versa. The mother figure is not meant biologically, but is considered through acts of care:
m(other)ing is a verb.
mothers mother
fathers mother
friends mother
(you can be the mother of a house)
Are you maternal? Or are you mom? Like, queen?*
Photography: Iris Writze lives and works in Vienna. Her academic background started in translation studies, her passionate background in dance. In her art she mainly translates body language into photography, video or performance.
Performer: François-Eloi Lavignac is a French choreographer and dancer who works as a freelance artist in Vienna. His solo piece "Fifth position" will be shown at brut in November.
Location: Bears in the Park
