Linh Le

24 hours ritual from sunset to sunset.

Locals and international guests moved soil by bike as part of the ritual.

This happened in the context of IETM 2023 – an international network for contemporary performing arts.

Together, we created a nature zone at the Town Hall Square in honor of the plant species “Trekløft-alanten” / ploughman’s spikenard.

Trekløft-alanten is Aarhus’s responsible species.

The ritual ended with a communal song and handing out badges symbolizing the species. This ritual was in collaboration with the local association Arternes Aarhus which work with appointing species ambassadors and fighting for the rights of nature.

Photo: Frej Pries Schmedes
Mask: Randi Kjær
Choreographic Consultant: YeongRan Suh
Coordinator of volunteers: Malene Baj Nielsen
Hands: Rik & Ida Dalsgaard Nicolaisen & YeongRan Suh
Moving soil: locals, IETM guests and activists of XR Aarhus
Joint ritual: Arternes Aarhus

Producer: Performing Arts Platform

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https://bora-bora.dk/forestillinger/saaerbysomborgersaaerbysomart/

Trekløft-Alanten – So the city is as citizen, so the city is as species

Art and activism merge in this performance ritual, which takes place in the urban space over the course of a day from sunset to sunset.

In a rebellion against the dominance of the human species, performance artist and climate activist Linh Le creates a nature zone in the middle of the city.

Together with local volunteers, she will move a 10-tonne pile of soil from Godsbanen to the Town Hall Square to create space for the vibrant and diverse life.

Through a series of performative rituals, Linh Le will then connect with the soil, examine the meeting between habitats, species and communities – and bring the endangered plant species “Trekløft-Alanten” to life.

“Trekløft-Alanten” is Aarhus’ responsibility species. At least 20% of the species’ total population lives in Denmark and therefore Denmark – and Aarhus as ambassador for the species – has a special national responsibility to protect it.

The performance ends with a joint ritual with Arternes Aarhus in which everyone is invited to participate.

Timeline:

Monday 12 June 22:06 – 00:00: The soil is moved

Tuesday 13 June 00:00 – 12:00: The soil is moved

Tuesday 13 June 12:00 – 16:00: Performance ritual by Linh Le

Tuesday 13 June 16:00 – 16:15: Speech by Linh Le

Tuesday 13 June 16:15 – 19:00: The soil rests

Tuesday 13 June 19:00 – 22:07: Joint ritual with Arternes Aarhus