Showing posts with label Shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shows. Show all posts

Sunday, August 11, 2019

ATROCITIES 'R' US at #YYJfringe 2019

Press Release
Winner of the 2018 Montreal Fringe Creativity Award (and Re-nominated in 2019)
Performance Artist Tasha Diamant returns to #YYJfringe

Fringe Venue Site C
Heart & Hands Health Collective
851 Cormorant St.
18+ Nudity
Aug 22  Thu  8:15-9:30 pm
Aug 23  Fri  8:15-9:30 pm
Aug 24  Sat  8:15-9:30 pm
Aug 29  Thu  8:15-9:30 pm
Aug 30  Fri  8:15-9:30 pm
Aug 31  Sat  8:15-9:30 pm
ATROCITIES 'R' US at the Victoria Fringe
ATROCITIES 'R' US Facebook event

Tasha Diamant has been exploring radical vulnerability as a form of art and activism since starting the critically acclaimed Human Body Project in small-town
Alberta more than 13 years ago. Unscripted, without a conventional narrative, honest and naked, Diamant shows up as vulnerably as possible to mirror humanity's state at this terrifying moment in history.

Raw, yes, but she can also be pretty funny. Comedian Maria Bamford has joked: "Weakness is the brand." Riffing, Diamant says: "Pain is the brand." 
Diamant self-deprecatingly shares challenging truths about herself, such as struggling with severe emotional pain; surviving Stage 4 ovarian cancer; spectacularly failing to thrive in the cult of academia; mothering in isolation; etc.

The baring of body and self is also about reflecting the culture. Her work falls in the Shamanism and Elderhood Department, if Westernized, globalized consumer-people had
such a thing. Diamant is white, educated, and privileged. She has often spoken about her work as a way to use her privilege and pain to interrogate and criticize her culture.

And as a way to model vulnerability and show solidarity with those who are most vulnerable. In fact, Diamant takes her art to the streets. For years, often alone,
she has held regular "Vulnerability Vigils," standing naked in public, in some cases holding the Extinction Symbol. (Vulnerability Vigil on August 18, 2019)

By exposing herself and leaving herself open to judgment, audience members' issues—through their projections—may also become disclosed. Diamant is
subverting audience expectations of who is responsible for what and, yes, it's uncomfortable. But necessary.

In performance and in public, Diamant hopes to offer a form of cultural healing for a civilization that renders older women invisible, has no shamanic tradition, and
is destroying the world. For Diamant, who began naked performance art/activism in 2006, the need for a cure has gone far beyond urgency.




Tasha Diamant, 57, lives in Victoria, BC, and is married with two daughters, 17 and 12. Work she has been paid for: waitress, journalist, visual artist, yoga teacher, university
instructor. She has participated in several community and prison theatre projects. This is her 10th anniversary as a fringe performer. Diamant is a privileged, cis, straight woman of European descent who is not actually much of an extrovert.

"In a space with no limits, we nonetheless carry limits in ourselves, play roles and seek confirmation. Our winner is a show that isn't comfortable in its contradictions and cares so deeply it just can't give a fuck! Fierce nonchalance and the full power of extreme vulnerability: it challenges everything we believe about theatre and undermines all hierarchies. It is the ultimate feminist act and the ultimate act of fringe."
— Geoff Agombar, Montreal Fringe juror

"You are a role model."
— audience member

"When confronted with work to which I've had a visceral reaction I need to go deep within to confront the part of me that’s mirrored. Although there are many solemn moments, the performance is surprisingly life-affirming, with moments of laughter... Profoundly moving and relevant."
— Janis La CouvĂ©e

"The definition of sincerity."
— audience member

"You connect all the dots."
— audience member

tashadiamant@gmail.com   humanbodyproject.org


Thursday, July 19, 2018

Montreal Fringe Award; Patreon; 31/7 Action

I had a super-duper time at the Montreal Fringe in June and I won the juried MainLine Theatre (hosts of the fringe) Creativity Award! 

Thank you Montreal Fringe! Funnest fringe!

It was particularly meaningful for two reasons. One, because of the words the lovely Geoff Agombar, juror and G.M., spoke when honouring me:

"In a space with no limits, we nonetheless carry limits in ourselves, play roles, seek confirmation. Our winner is a show that isn't comfortable in its contradictions and cares so deeply it just can't give a fuck! Fierce nonchalance and the full power of extreme vulnerability: it challenges everything we believe about theatre and undermines all hierarchies. It is the ultimate feminist act and the ultimate act of fringe." (I feel a bit like Sally Field: You value me! You really value me!)
And two, because the two shows that were runners-up were stellar; both deeply feeling and intellectual. Devon More's Flute Loops and Ulfet Sevdi and Nicholas Royer-Artuso's 4'33" in Baghdad. 4'33" in Baghdad is my favourite fringe show that I have ever seen. A sardonic but heartful academic addresses imperialism and atrocity through the lens of musicology. Dry wit and brilliant. Unfortunately their fringe run is over but Devon is bringing Flute Loops to Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver Fringes. If you have the chance, see it!

I came home with pneumonia, though, and that is why my July offering is happening so late. (And I'm counting the Montreal Fringe as June actions!)
Monthly Act of Disruption and Resistance (aka Vulnerability Vigil)July 31, 201812 noon-1 pm
Near Regina Park homeless camp (near Uptown Mall on the Trans-Canada highway), Victoria, BC 
Our nation's continued persecution+prosecution of the vulnerable+impoverished is an atrocity. Showing up for my Monthly Act of Disruption and Resistance near Victoria's newest tent city is my artistic response to the disgust+despair I feel living as a privileged, complicit person in a money-laundering economy that creates brutal homelessness.
I will be wearing my new Monthly Actions uniform of inside out menstrual pads covering my genital area. 
Perhaps you feel some of the extremity and intensity I experience and want to join me; all are welcome to join in the spirit of solidarity and respect for those who are most vulnerable. Wear what you want. (I can possibly change the time for later in the day if noon doesn't work for you.) 
Facebook event

Also, I have created a page in the Patreon.com community, where artists get paid for their work. You could figuratively buy me a beer or two every month. Please consider subscribing! I will send you a t-shirt! https://www.patreon.com/humanbodyproject

Here is my Patreon video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRoFfWbZJ4s&t=11s

Thanks for "listening," Tasha

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Naked Ugly Dancing @fringeMtl + Handcuffed video

Upcoming Fringe Show! 
Tell your friends in Montreal!
#NUD
#fringefemmes

Naked Ugly Dancing
At the Montreal Fringe
June 7-17, 2018

Jun 07 Thu 7:45 pm
Jun 09 Sat 6:15 pm
Jun 12 Tue 11:00pm
Jun 13 Wed 6:00 pm
Jun 15 Fri 7:45 pm
Jun 17 Sun 2:30 pm

Montreal Fringe online program+tickets
Facebook event

Performance art
And ritual+improvisation+storytelling+dance

Venue 7
Montreal Improv Theatre A
3697 Blvd St-Laurent 
$10
nudity +16
en Anglais 75 minutes
Healer, feeler, revealer. Paradigm shifter. Heavy lifter of paradox+pain. Ageing, overweight, cancer schmancerous. Recovering academic. Suburban mommy lady. Powerful+vulnerable. Privilege-user+vagina-haver. PTSD+lover of trees. Tasha Diamant ugly dances naked+improvises conversations+connections. Because: business-as-usual brutality. On behalf of the collective. Participation optional.


Also, I made a mini-documentary after being handcuffed on the lawn of the BC Legislature during last week's Monthly Act of Disruption and Resistance




Tuesday, January 16, 2018

#NUD at Women's March

I'll be #NakedUglyDancing at

The Victoria Women's March
Saturday, January 20, 2018
11am-1pm
Centennial Sq (Victoria City Hall)

"We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Anyone welcome to join me dressed or un.
#NUD at Women's March Facebook event


Also, I'll be in Herstory presented by Riot Grrrls Burlesque Revue on Saturday, Feb 3. Tickets at Eventbrite  
Herstory Facebook event

Last month's action. 6th anniversary of Vulnerability Vigils/monthly actions. Photo by David Howell.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Naked Ugly Dancing at Victoria Fringe 2017

Naked Ugly Dancing

Dancing the ugly out at Victoria Fringe 2017.


I was supposed to be performing at the Victoria Fringe 2015 preview night two years ago when I was admitted to hospital with what turned out to be Stage 4 ovarian cancer.

With an enlarged rendering of my tumour in the background, for this year's fringe I'll be performing my latest work furthering key themes of vulnerability and embodiment: Naked Ugly Dancing. 
(Yes, I asked my doctor for photos. I would have buried my tumour but, instead, opted to contribute my innards to a research project.) 
I will be "ugly dancing." I.e., not necessarily dancing with the goal of being "ugly" but with a goal to dance the ugly out... On behalf of myself and others. On behalf of this damaged culture.

And, I'll be naked.

There will be spontaneous interaction with the audience. But gently, with no invasion of people's space.

I'm 55, overweight, not in great shape and depleted. So there will likely be some moments of collapse. Although, recently, I started ugly dancing (dressed) on the streets as a busker and am happy to report that I'm able to last an hour. :)

Why? 

As the creator of the Human Body Project and Vulnerability Vigils, for more than 10 years I've been using my naked, vulnerable body/self in performance and in public. I see it as a way to create exploration and inquiry around our mutual vulnerability as humans creating and living through a crisis of mass extinction. 

It's also about pain: I experience the normalization of brutality in our culture as traumatizing. I find it an endless source of confusion/fascination that so few seem to share this sensitivity.
(Btw, I don't think it's a super far-fetched coincidence that a feminist performance artist, working with culturally-induced trauma, gets gynecological cancer.)
For me, the ugly dancing ups my vulnerability. And, as an educated, middle-class, white woman, this new work allows me to express paradox more viscerally. Pain and privilege. Healing ritual/angry protest. Awkwardness and vulnerability as art.



Where
Venue 2, Downtown Community Centre
755 Pandora Ave

Show Times
~75 min
18+ not suitable for children
Thu  Aug 24  9:15 pm
Sat  Aug 26  12:45 pm
Sun  Aug 27  1:15 pm
Mon  Aug 28  9:15 pm
Tue  Aug 29  7:45 pm
Sat  Sept 2  12:15 pm

Tickets $9 at ticketrocket.co
Link to Facebook event






Sunday, August 21, 2016

Cancerversary Vulnerability Vigil

Cancerversary Vulnerability Vigil
Friday, August 26, 2016
5-6 pm
Government + Yates St.
Victoria, BC

Everybody welcome. Dressed or not.

Last year, on August 26, I was admitted to hospital because it looked like I had a malignant tumour in my left ovary or thereabouts. A few days later I learned I did indeed have stage 4 ovarian cancer. Dang. Bad prognosis.

I was due for a breakdown. The paradigm I believe in and try to live is about healing. But I had been working in an environment where healing is not part of the vocabulary and most of the words are pretty lies, like "community," "support," "transformative," etc.

I had made the mistake of being honest and caring too much. I didn't have the necessary boundaries. It hurt me. I found my job as a university instructor deeply rewarding and extremely painful.

Pain has been everpresent. I am extremely sensitive. For most of my life I had NO IDEA what it was or how to deal with it, except to feel ashamed.

I can honestly say I don't want to be here, living on this earth in the culture we have created. I don't have the necessary boundaries. I have suffered immense emotional pain. Unconsciously, which looked like boozery, promiscuity, irony, etc., and then consciously, caused by motherhood, mostly.

A great thing about my cancer is that I realized that if I was going to survive, and I do want to survive because I have 9- and 14-year-old kids, I needed to stop fantasizing about dying. So I took another stab at trusting Western pharmaceutical hooha and, what do you know?! I find Cymbalta very helpful. I never think hopeful thoughts about dying anymore. 

I would never have started the Human Body Project on Cymbalta, that's for sure!


Last month's Vulnerability Vigil in Toronto at Yonge and Bloor.
What is the Human Body Project? It's me intersecting my culture, a culture that really does not work for me... even though I am undeniably privileged. I have never felt safe here. 

So in this work, whether I do it on the streets or in performance, as my public self, or even private self, I am always working with my state of vulnerability, which, interestingly, mirrors the vulnerability of humanity at this unfortunate juncture.

Our culture does not understand or respect vulnerability. Our way of dealing with vulnerability is learned in a pre-verbal state. We don't have words to help us. By we, I mean especially us Western humans, who have created a weirdly visible situation: Syria! Yemen! Global climate change! Rape rape rape! Debt debt debt!

Which is also a weirdly invisible situation: far away or on a screen or she asked for it or, the worst, this is how it's all set up so what are ya gonna do?

IT'S A FUCKING DISASTER.

So anyway, at least once a month I do this thing I call a Vulnerability Vigil where I stand on the street naked. I hold a sign in front of my body because, God forbid the good people creating the 6th extinction should see a naked lady whose body is not selling something. This month I will probably hold the extinction symbol, as I have often done.
Back when I had more hair
My 54-year-old, baby-producing, cancer-surviving, naked female body is there to honour, share and express vulnerability. I work within the spacious form of performance art to present a non-violent, non-rhetorical, feminine, indigenist, healing response to an insane world. I am white and very privileged. This is also about showing up and using my privilege.

A Vulnerability Vigil is a ritual; it's about being the change; it's about being an ally; it's art. Holding vigils (and performing the Human Body Project) continues to be the only sane response I can come up with.

Please consider joining me this Friday. My friend and longtime Vigil partner, Keith Jenkins, will be out of town and I'll be extra-vulnerable without that dear man.

Cancerversary update: Chemo is done but it hurt my joints pretty bad, especially my knees, and either the chemo or the Cymbalta has caused my brain to process less sharply. I need a lot of sleep and rest. That bliss stage I went through for a while last year... I LOVED everyone! It was like being permanently in the early stages of a nice drunk... went away. 

My digestion is good, though. I taught a painting class. We had a great family trip to Ontario. I've been swimming in lakes almost every day this summer. I'm part of the group creating and performing the William Head on Stage play this year at William Head prison. And I'm happy to say my kids are driving me crazy. 

I don't think about the statistics.

Please, when you think of me, say: it's gone, Tasha, and it's not coming back.

humanbodyproject.org 
vulnerabilityvigils.org
Link to Facebook event

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Skin in the Game at the Victoria Fringe Cancelled and Vulnerability Vigils on hold

UPDATE: Skin in the Game at the Victoria Fringe cancelled.

I'm very disappointed to announce that I've had to cancel Skin in the Game at the Victoria Fringe.

A little about what's going on in my vulnerable human body/self right now.

I share for many reasons and, yes, I do realize my truth can be interpreted as "unprofessional." 

One main reason I share is to stand in solidarity with others who struggle invisibly.

In late July I was walloped with severe depression. The worst in more than 15 years. I have dealt with depression my whole life pretty much but mostly I have dealt with it spiritually and, I'll admit, by isolating and just fucking functioning.

The work of the Human Body Project has been in some ways an outlet for me to work with my depression. But I am at the point where I have an intake booking with a psychiatrist because, after more than 15 years of not trusting pharmaceuticals (my previous experience has been bad), I'm going to give it another try.

I crashed. I still managed to finish two classes, probably taking 3 times as long as usual to get my marking done, my head was so messed up. I did not tell my students or the people I work with. I'm a contract instructor.

While that was going on I menstruated for 10 days straight. Did you know it's quite normal for menopausal women to bleed buckets for 10 days? I didn't either, but it is. Menstruation has been extreme for me my whole life.

I have rarely mentioned this to anyone. Menstruation is "private."

Then, as that was tapering off, I began to be ill with a stomach illness. I have been experiencing incredibly severe nausea, coughing, and exhaustion. It's been going on for more than a week. My competent, kind doctor has me doing several tests. 

I am so ill I can barely walk around my house. So I can't show up for the fringe and Vulnerability Vigils are also on hold.

Tasha


Skin in the Game 
At the Victoria Fringe
Wood Hall
907 Pandora
Fri, Aug 28, 7:15
Sat, Aug 29, 4:15
Mon, Aug 31, 7:30
Tue, Sep 1, 6:00
Sat, Sep 5, 12:15
Sun, Sep 6, 2:45

As a student of pain, Tasha Diamant devised a performance and activism project to inquire into the origins of disconnection. Purposefully creating space for vulnerability, Diamant is now in the tenth year of her ongoing Human Body Project, for which, among many other things, she shows up literally and emotionally naked in performance and in public.


In this new show, through improvised facilitation, story telling, and disrobing, Diamant has a lot to say and reveal about the body and embodiment in a disembodied culture. Spoiler: she gets dressed at the end.


What audiences and reviewers have had to say about the Human Body Project:


“I am not sure what this exquisite piece of ‘art’ is but it’s all yours. Thank you so much, you have empowered me so much.”--note left by audience member


“You hit the tear ducts. BOOM like a bullet.”--note left by audience member


"….the experience is both powerful and empowering, pushing participants to question their own physical, psychological and social positions. The result? Both humbling and inspiring, The Human Body Project urges us to recognize the power of a single human body.”--The Ubyssey


"This is the most relevant and powerful work at the Fringe and Tasha Diamant is deserving of a full audience every night.”--Monday Mag


“The Human Body Project impacted me. Please go see it. It’s the definition of sincerity.”--note left by audience member


"I dug it. The Human Body Project slowed me down, and all sorts of stuff about shame, safety, and joy came up... Naked, emotionally and literally. Simply audacious.”--The Georgia Straight


Recent article in the Victoria Times Colonist


Link to Skin in the Game Facebook event


Tickets, program information, etc: victoriafringe.com


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Upcoming: New Show (June 4), #VulnerabilityVigils (May 24 and June 7), Painting Class

New Show!

Tasha Diamant is in her 10th year of doing the work of the Human Body Project.

As a street activist, Tasha holds #VulnerabilityVigils at least once a month. See below for upcoming vigils.

As a performance artist, Tasha has been a bit of a controversial staple at western Canadian fringe theatre festivals in the last several years. Tasha uses her naked body and naked emotional presence to create and share space for vulnerability. Audiences voluntarily participate through discussion (and sometimes removing clothing).

Here's what some people have said about the Human Body Project:
“I am not sure what this exquisite piece of ‘art’ is but it’s all yours... you have empowered me so much.”--note left by an audience member 
“You hit the tear ducts. BOOM like a bullet.”--note left by an audience member 
"This is the most relevant and powerful work at the Fringe and Tasha Diamant is deserving of a full audience every night.”--Monday Mag
On June 4, Tasha is premiering a new show, entitled Skin in the Game as part of Media Democracy Days Victoria.

For Skin in the Game, Tasha has decided to use some of the elements of the Human Body Project performances, but go at it a little differently. Instead of emerging on stage fully naked, Tasha, will undress through the performance. Audience members will choose themes and topics on cards, which Tasha will use to tell stories and create conversation. Spoiler: Tasha will get dressed again.

After the show there will be a panel discussion. The whole thing will be livestreamed.

On the panel:
Darren Alexander, organizer of Media Democracy Days Victoria and educator
Keith Jenkins, street performer, artists model, and frequent ‪#‎VulnerabilityVigils‬ participant
Robyn Thomas, film maker and student journalist
Helena Andrade, peace activist
And me (Tasha Diamant)




Thursday, June 4
Performance 7-8:15 pm
Panel discussion 8:30-9:30 pm
401 Herald St (behind Value Village)
Victoria

tickets $10-$20 at the door or $20 online

This event will be livestreamed at streamofconsciousness.ca

#VulnerabilityVigils

Sunday, May 24, 2015
2-3 pm

Tasha Diamant will hold a #VulnerabilityVigil at
Government and Yates
Victoria

Emma Cooper will hold a coinciding #VulnerabilityVigil at the
Vancouver Art Gallery
Robson St. side

link to Facebook event

As part of Media Democracy Days Victoria
Sunday, June 7, 2015
2-3 pm

Tasha Diamant will hold a #VulnerabilityVigil at
Broad St and Pandora
near CTV and Victoria City Hall

Vancouver #VulnerabilityVigil not confirmed yet but stay tuned.

link to Facebook event

For a #VulnerabilityVigil, Tasha Diamant is committed to standing naked in public (holding a sign) for at least an hour at least once a month. Diamant chooses to stand in vulnerability as a creative statement and an act of solidarity. Her work is about drawing the parallel between vulnerable souls/vulnerable bodies/vulnerable planet/vulnerable humanity. More information about #VulnerabilityVigils here.

All are welcome to join, anywhere! Emma Cooper has been holding coinciding #VulnerabilityVigils in Vancouver since November.


Painting Class at RRU

One more thing: Tasha Diamant is teaching a painting class at Royal Roads University.

4 Saturdays from 1-4 pm
May 23-June 13

Here's the link: http://cstudies.royalroads.ca/courses/TAEA3935-Y14.htm

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The Human Body Project at the #vanfringe

The Human Body Project at the #vanfringe

For sensitive people, those who struggle with the state of humanity, or those who struggle and can't say why. Bare. Unscripted. Tasha Diamant uses her naked body & self to represent and share vulnerability. Why? To work with humanity's inability to resolve the need to dominate. To make the domination paradigm visible in this dire age of consequences.

"The most relevant and powerful work at the fringe." -Monday Magazine
"Urges us to recognize the power of a single human body." -The Ubyssey
"Naked, emotionally and literally...Simply audacious." -The Georgia Straight



Art by anonymous Human Body Project participant.


Mainstage Location: 
Studio 16
1555 W 7th Ave, Vancouver

Performance Times:
Thu Sep 4   5-6pm
Sun Sep 7   5:30-6:30pm
Mon Sep 8   5-6pm
Wed Sep 10   7:30-8:30pm
Sat Sep 13   10-11pm
Sun Sep 14   4:50-5:50pm







Also: Human Body Project Workshop at the #vanfringe
Location: 
Studio 1398
1398 Cartwright St., Granville Island, Vancouver
Time:
Sep 12   1:30-3:30pm   
Free or by donation

Followed by Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigil
Location:
outside of Studio 1398
Time: 
Sep 12   4:30-5:30pm
All welcome, dressed or un-

Saturday, August 30, 2014

5th #yyjfringe Vulnerability Vigils: today, 5-6, Douglas&Pandora

The fifth and last of five in a row Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the Victoria Fringe is today.

Location: Douglas and Pandora

Time: Today, 5-6pm.

All welcome, dressed or un-
4th Vulnerability Vigil #yyjfringe


Media Release: 2014 fringes

victoriafringe.com

Support the work by buying a ticket: ticketrocket.org

Friday, August 29, 2014

4th #yyjfringe Vulnerability Vigils: today, 5-6, Broad btwn Pandora&Johnson

The fourth of five in a row Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the Victoria Fringe is today.

Location: Broad Street between Pandora and Johnson

Time: Today, 5-6pm.

All welcome, dressed or un-

3rd vigil at #yyjfringe yesterday.

Media Release: 2014 fringes

victoriafringe.com

Support the work by buying a ticket: ticketrocket.org

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Change in location for 3rd vigil at #yyjfringe, Thu Aug 28 5-6

The third of five in a row Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the Victoria Fringe will NOT be at Belleville and Blanshard as indicated.

Day and time: Thursday, August 28, 5-6 pm

Location: Quadra and Johnson, in hopes of catching the sun again

2nd #yyjfringe vigil


All welcome, dressed or un-

Media Release: 2014 fringes

victoriafringe.com

Support the work by buying a ticket: ticketrocket.org


Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils #yyjfringe: Today, Johnson and Quadra, 5-6pm

The second of five in a row Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the Victoria Fringe is today.

Location: Johnson and Quadra

Time: Today, 5-6pm.

Yesterday's vigil.

All welcome, dressed or un-

Media Release: 2014 fringes

victoriafringe.com

Support the work by buying a ticket: ticketrocket.org

Monday, August 11, 2014

Media Release: Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the 2014 Victoria and Vancouver Fringes

The Human Body Project at the 2014 Victoria Fringe (Aug 21-31) and Vancouver Fringe (Sept 4-14)



"the most relevant and powerful work at the fringe" 
“urges us to recognize the power of a single human body”
"naked, emotionally and literally"  
"simply audacious"

Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at the Victoria Fringe
victoriafringe.com

Where and When?
There will be five street performances of Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils

The vigils will be held near fringe venues in downtown Victoria. Aug 26-30, 5-6 pm. 
August 26 5-6 pm Pandora and Quadra
August 27 5-6 pm Johnson and Quadra
August 28 5-6 pm Belleville and Blanshard
August 29 5-6 pm Broad between Pandora and Johnson
August 30 5-6 pm Pandora and Douglas

Locations may change due to unforeseen circumstances so check humanbodyproject.org for confirmation.

What?
Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils, as a form of street performance, will be part of the site-specific pieces at the Victoria Fringe.

For a Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigil, Tasha Diamant stands naked in public to share and create a space for vulnerability. She holds a large sign in a gesture of gentleness for those who are deeply affronted by public nudity.

It is a ritual or practice of "being the change," non-violent direct action, participatory democracy, etc.  People are always invited to join her and often do. 


Photo by David Howell

Who?
Tasha Diamant, 52, is a mother, performer, and activist. She started the Human Body Project, an ongoing performance art project, in 2006. She is also a university professor, yoga instructor, and visual artist.

How?
People will be able to buy tickets to Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils via ticketrocket.org but there won’t be actual ticket collection. To "buy a ticket at the door" people can contribute to a hat on the sidewalk. Tasha is inviting people to buy tickets to support the work.

People are also invited to watch or even take part in some participatory democracy. Taking part might mean holding a sign or just engaging in conversation with Tasha, other participants, or people on the street. 

Tasha is the only person committed to being naked. People who join her can be as (un)dressed as they choose. Signs will be provided.

More Background
Tasha has been holding Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigils at least once a month since January 2012. 

Lately, she has been using the extinction symbol on her sign (@extinctsymbol), a symbol created to draw attention to the global extinction crisis. She will also bring the VULNERABLE sign and other words.

VULNERABLE was the word on the sign for a long time. Then Tasha switched to different words that also evoke consideration of vulnerability (e.g., HOLY, COMPLIANT, PARADIGM).

Also at the 2014 Vancouver Fringe
vancouverfringe.com

The Human Body Project is a mainstage show in the Vancouver Fringe (six shows, Sept 4-14).

Tasha is also holding a free Human Body Project Workshop during the Vancouver Fringe (Sept. 12), after which she is holding a Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigil.

For more information contact: Tasha Diamant
tashadiamanthuman@gmail.com

humanbodyproject.org
twitter @HumanBodyProj
Human Body Project Facebook page 

"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." A. Einstein


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