Seashell Radios
Visual performance directed by Zacha A. & Jenwit N.
Seashell Radios is an experimental performance based on personal experiences of two people in the form of a short film. It is a project that uses footage from two countries, Greece and Thailand, while sharing a common reference to life during the pandemic lockdown. Choreographed gestures, visuals, sound and habitual actions, with the use of literal as well as symbolic approach, characterize the genre of the performance.
The work is strongly based on the investigation of emotional reactions to a monotonous everyday life and the continuous receiving of external information, translated into an allegorical narrative. The beginning of experimentation on this topic started with our perception of the space and time. The idea of space deconstructed into the limited physical space and the imbalanced internal self space, creating two worlds, where the idea of existence had become unbearable. On the other hand, the repeated external information in the form of media dealing with the single topic of a global matter, along with the unknown of the future created a sense of anxiety, which appeared particularly hard to envisage.
The calling of the Deity and the need to come in alignment with our own Divine and harmonious self seemed as a singular coping mechanism, which could bring healing to the emotional imbalance. The concept of supernatural intervention is portrayed with procedures of cleansing. The element of water appears as deus ex machina that runs deep into the mind and soul in order to wash off the anxiety and fears, restore the balance and bring healing.
Starting with the ordinary protocol of washing hands, we move towards the cleansing of the intimate space, that reflects the catharsis of the internal space and the soul by creating a dialogue between the literal and the ritualistic depiction of the action. The rite of baptism reflects the need of reincarnation, the immersion of the old self in order to start anew, whereas the cleansing process of the gods is a reminder of mental self care.The hands interact with the head respectfully throughout the film showing a sense of care and recognition of one’s own self.
The observation of the restricted view of the outer world describes a similar concept to the fish tank that could greatly be related to the theory of survival under isolation. Moving, acting and existing within the limits of space, while the time seems endless and life is static. It is a game of time and space, although a separated external world that is still visible awakens a feeling of hope, while triggers imagination and expansion on a physical and mental level.
The sense of illusion becomes stronger with the time as the normality of life disappears and starts to transform into a nightmare.
But, is it a nightmare that one prefers to forget or a dream that indicates a brand new life circle?_
