The Exchange
The Exchange” is an interactive public event on the topic of violence, which uses practice from the fields of choreographic thinking and conflict engagement. In this event, there is no performance and no spectators, instead simple actions such as walking, sitting and talking become tools for reflection and interaction as the participants consider: What is our role in the creation or unbuilding of systems of polarization and violence?
The goal of The Exchange is not argument or debate. Instead, using choreographic and conflict engagement tools we invite participants to consider what they believe about the use of violence, where they learned those beliefs, and how those beliefs focus their attention and actions in conflict. The intimacy of the conversations enabled by The Exchange create a groundwork for strengthening relationships and communities. The structured format of the event makes reflection and exchange on difficult topics more possible by creating a safe environment that also provokes a brave exchange.
In the current national and international atmosphere of heightened division across racial, religious, and ideological lines, violent interactions increasingly become a common, if unwanted, norm and a sense of hopelessness often arises. Through the actions of listening, speaking and walking, The Exchange offers participants a way to consider why violence is so persistent, and how positive change might take place.
Concept Dana Caspersen, MichaelDouglas Kollektiv
With Douglas Bateman, Michael Maurissens, Inma Rubio, Adam Ster, Sabina Perry, Susanne Grau
Co-production PACT Zollverein (Essen)
Support Ministerium für Familie, Kinder, Jugend, Kultur und Sport des Landes NRW, Kunststiftung nrw, Kulturamt der Stadt Köln
