On Display

On Display devised by Heidi Latsky Dance (NY) began as an annual worldwide event to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is now a global event performed in over 42 countries throughout the world.

This human art exhibit celebrates all our diversities we have in Aotearoa which include, but are not limited to; age, size, gender, disability (physical, social, intellectual), race, culture, religion, skin colour, distinguishing features, refugee, LGBTQI+ community etc.

The goal of the installation is to present a living gallery of people of different diversities, who explore their individual movement choices within a structured improvisation where stillness and focus are key requirements. This On Display Dunedin premiere is presented by Touch Compass Dance Trust, an inclusive Arts organisation which has been exploring inclusivity through live performances, training and participation opportunities over two decades.

Touch Compass is the first NZ organisation to secure the sole rights to perform this work at other dates throughout the year outside of 3 December. On Display is a powerful piece of performance art incorporating professional and community performers. It is an opportunity for people to represent their own diverse communities, join with others and celebrate what make us all unique.

“I think this event really spoke to me about how important creating platforms and events like this are!" - Participant

“What an amazing concept, it’s really saying something.” - Audience

“OnDisplay really made me feel alive and I enjoyed the feeling of being viewed as art rather than someone with a difference.” - Participant

Members of the disability, performance, and fashion worlds are often stared at and objectified in their daily lives. Reverting the gaze is integral to disability culture and other marginalised groups, one is usually discouraged from looking and staring.

The performers have the power to choose what they do or do not reveal, giving them control over a personal journey that cannot help but be affected by an audience. The viewer also has an active role in the On Display installation, and is encouraged to walk through the sculpture court, take photos and upload to social media with the hashtag #ondisplay.

This enables the viewer to also join the celebration of diversity and inclusion. Being confronted with diversity, one is forced to think differently about people and that we are all unique in our own way and all have equal value.

Warning: Audience are welcome to move around the performers and take photos of them but not to touch them.

This Show has four other performance sessions on Friday 29th and Sunday 31st March at different venues. Please check www.dunedinfringe.nz for details.

Entry by Koha

Fringe Tags; Performance Art, Street/Site Specific, Dance and Sculpture