Blind Date

performance

Projekt 744, Münster 1999
Bezalel-Academy, Jerusalem 1996

What happens when spectators are transformed into actors through a simple but effective experimental arrangement? This was the initial question of the performance 'Blind Date"' which I performed for the first time in the elevator of the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. It was almost impossible for the users of the elevator not to react. And the exciting and also upsetting thing: The group divided into angels and devils ...

Jerusalem
Sitting blindly on a chair in the elevator. Up and down. Hearing voices, talking to anyone who speaks to me. Three kisses from unknown. A blow to the head. I ask why. I get the answer that there is a sign above me that says 'Hit me!'. I ask the guy to remove the sign. Hot cinnamon tea and a pita from someone who introduces himself to me weeks later. Up and down. Recognizing the floor by the smell. The courage of the crowd, 'She is crazy!' Laughter, brazen touches. The embarrassment of the individual: After shy whistling and shuffling of feet, a male voice says softly: 'You can take the scarf off now, we are alone.'

Münster
This time, no touching, no approaches. Audience entering the elevator does not address me, keeps distance. Surprisingly and redeemingly, after more than two hours, the hand of a friend.