Photos: 1-5: Performance at MeetFactory, Prague, 2021.
Photos 6-17: Performance at 8th Floor, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, NYC. Photos by Charles Roussel.
The Sermon of the Weeds (2022)
This performance explores the complex and contradictory territory at the intersection of patriarchal structures, Christian belief systems, and ongoing struggles for reproductive rights. Through the format of a mass, these reflections are developed through an examination of the relationships between humans and plants used in abortifacient and contraceptive preparations at various points in history. The congregation is invited to reflect on the relationships amongst human and more-than-human actors in the struggle for the right to abortion, and the spiritual connections that emerge through these acts of solidarity; these alliances are materialized through an invitation to share communion crisps flavored with small amounts of herbs used in contraceptive preparations. The sermon is concluded with an invitation for all to enjoy refreshments prepared with a number of ingredients related to histories of herbal reproductive medicine.
Small bites & drinks
Parsley pesto
Crisps in at least 3 different flavors (salt, vinegar, and one extra of choice)
Carrot, mint, and pistachio salad
Seeded crackers (queen anne’s lace, coriander, and hemp seeds)
Aged sheep’s cheese with grapes and pomegranate
Fresh soft sheep’s cheese with balsamic and juniper
Guava & cinnamon compote squares
Pennyroyal liqueur
Artemisia (mugwort) iced tea