Resistance: a timely and hopeful exhibition

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Wednesday November 10, 2010 12:18 by Liz Crow - Roaring Girl Productions

A film-based installation about a Nazi campaign and what it means for all of us now

Resistance: which way the future? is a dual-screen interactive installation, comprising drama and documentary films and an immersive audio-video experience. It takes as its starting point the Nazi programme of mass-murder targeting disabled people and asks what this history means for all of us today. A timely and hopeful work, Resistance explores the marginalisation of a group of people and asks what can be done to make a better future.

Recently returned from its run at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, one visitor wrote: “One of the most powerful things I have ever experienced. I was so amazed by it, I went back to see it two more times. Each time I saw more and took more away from the experience. A month later it is still with me.” Susan Fitzmaurice

In association with ABÄRA International Disability Film Festival

Audiences watch Resistance

ROARING GIRL PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
RESISTANCE: WHICH WAY THE FUTURE?
An award winning, provocative and hauntingly beautiful film installation
that explores a Holocaust hidden history

Tuesday 30 November – Thursday 9 December 2010

Bewleys Cafe Theatre, 78 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
In association with ABÄRA International Disability Film Festival

Resistance: which way the future? is a dual-screen interactive installation, comprising drama and documentary films and an immersive audio-video experience. It takes as its starting point the Nazi programme of mass-murder targeting disabled people and asks what this history means for all of us today. A timely and hopeful work, Resistance explores the marginalisation of a group of people and asks what can be done to make a better future.

Recently returned from its run at Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, one visitor wrote: “One of the most powerful things I have ever experienced. I was so amazed by it, I went back to see it two more times. Each time I saw more and took more away from the experience. A month later it is still with me.” Susan Fitzmaurice

In association with ABÄRA International Disability Film Festival

The opening drama follows the story of Elise, a patient who sweeps the institution. She doesn’t speak but watches everything. She watches buses full of patients leave and return empty. When it’s her turn, she knows what’s in store. Based on real events, this is the story of one woman’s resistance in the only way she could.

Resistance launched in Liverpool, UK, in November 2009 as part of DaDaFest. The installation won the prestigious ‘Best Exhibition Award’ from Liverpool Daily Post, and was described as one of the most powerful elements of the festival.

One visitor wrote of her experience of Resistance: "It is not often that words fail me, but I can't begin to describe the impact this devastatingly-powerful installation had on me. This is tremendously important work, brilliantly and concisely realised into a package which will haunt me for a long, long time." Sarah Bush

Over a decade in the making, Resistance is the latest project from award-winning writer-director Liz Crow, whose previous work has been shown at Tate Modern and the Smithsonian Institution and who made a controversial appearance on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square as part of sculptor Antony Gormley’s One & Other project.

Liz Crow said: “This is an episode of history that is virtually hidden, yet the values that underpinned it still echo through disabled people’s lives today. It is a timely piece of work and I hope that people will be both moved and empowered by it. I want people to come away feeling inspired to get involved, be effective and find the courage to be a part of change. Resistance is about a sense of possibility.”

Today, when rising hate crime, increased pre-natal screening and abortion, and a race to assisted suicide challenge the worth of disabled people’s lives and even their right to exist, Resistance confronts a dark chapter of human history and invites the audience to reflect on the values of the past and how they can help to shape a society that delights in diversity.

To arrange an interview with RGP Director Liz Crow, or request further information and images please contact Megan at Farrows Creative.
T: +44 1275 836 348 E: megan@farrowscreative.com

[ends]

Notes to Editors

A Biography
Liz is an artist-activist working with film, audio and text. She is drawn to drama, life stories and experimental work, and the potential of storytelling to trigger change. A former NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) fellow and founder of Roaring Girl Productions, Liz’s work has shown at London’s Tate Modern and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as on television and at festivals throughout the world.

Recent work includes her appearance on the Forth Plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of sculptor Antony Gormley’s One and Other project. Liz’s provocative and controversial performance was listed in the Guardian’s Trafalgar Top Ten.

Roaring Girl Productions is a creative media projects company based in Bristol, founded by artist-activist Liz Crow. It undertakes media productions, training and associated projects, combining high quality creativity with practical activism. www.roaring-girl.om

Resistance: which way the future?: is a dual-screen, moving image installation. It explores the values that permitted the Nazi programme of mass-murder targeting disabled people; reveals how people found the courage to resist; and examines how this chapter of history remains strikingly relevant today.

Funders: Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Supported by NESTA, UnLtd, South West Screen & the Quartet Community Foundation.

Venue details: 
Bewleys Cafe Theatre, 78 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 www.bewleyscafetheatre.com

ABÄRA International Disability Film Festival: The festival aims to celebrate the progress made by people with disabilities and raise awareness and understanding of the many challenges still faced by people with disabilities in the global south and the global north. The films and workshops are for everyone interested in film, creative expression and social justice. For more information on the festival contact Aidan Leavy on 086-1732347 or aleavy@is-ireland.ie

News release for Resistance at Bewley's Cafe Theatre, Dublin 0.28 Mb