Open Call for M(Other)Hood

M(Other)Hood: Uncollected Collective Lectures 2024

about

Since 2021, M(Other)Hood has attempted to build expansive forms of solidarity using the notion of Hood, using Knitting Meshwork as a choreographic principle to create various presentations. It delves into the relationship between Motherhood and the external world. This approach embraces direct engagement with the notion that Mother(s) or Motherhood is not solely a subject of study but an active participant in broadening perspectives. It contributes to a deeper societal understanding of how various practices and interpretations of Mothering can influence cultural narratives, shape policy considerations, and affect societal attitudes towards Mothers and Motherhood. The term “Mothers” is used expansively here, encompassing not only those who give birth or identify as women, but anyone who undertakes the role of Mothering and is impacted by it.

This year, Serendipity Arts Festival is hosting M(Other)Hood. We will develop a performance entitled “Uncollected Collective Lectures – 2024” – a collaborative narrative performance exploring experimental ways of navigating autobiography, history, and herstory, and their story.

We are seeking 3 Indian collaborators to join the project, each using their personal experience and contexts to develop a performative lecture.

Festival Dates

Dec 15-22, 2024

Application Deadline:

August 22, 2024

Who can apply

  • Artists from various disciplines with performance practices related to the theme and interested in collaborative research
  • Artists willing to use their autobiography as material to develop their lectures
  • Artists interested in verbal exchange with the public
  • No restrictions on gender. Performers should be 18 years and above.
  • Artists living and residing in India and having an Indian Bank account with an Indian PAN card.
  • Artists who can commit the required time (if not, please indicate in the application)
  • There are no restrictions on gender.
    – Artists should be at least 18 years of age.
  • English will be the working language. However, there is no restriction on the performing language.
  • No prior acting or performance experience is necessary.

Working schedule

  • 1 hour Online Full Moon meeting on September 18, October 17 and November 15.
  • The team may also choose to meet for a couple of more Zoom sessions between October 15 and November 15, 2024, to develop the work.
  • Research period in Goa: December 6, 2024 to December 12, 2024
  • Rehearsal in Goa: December 15, 2024 to December 17, 2024 (8 hours per day)
  • Full Run: December 18, 2024
  • Performances: 2 performances on December 19, 2024 (There might be 2 performances on December 20, 2024 as well)

Selection Process

  • The selection process will take into account the video and text submissions that are a part of the Google application form.
  • Selected applicants will be notified within one week after closing of registration.
  • – A 20-minute online interview shall be conducted for each shortlisted application, on the basis of which the final selection would be made.

FAQs

Q: What is a performative lecture? 
A: A performative lecture is a format that combines a knowledge-based narrative with live performance elements, incorporating aspects of drama, visual arts, and other disciplines. In the M(other)hood project, we aim to integrate movement and autobiographical material into this format.

Q: Is a theatre background required?
A: A theatre background is not mandatory. However, it is essential that participants have experience in somatic practices and are comfortable engaging with an audience.

Q: Who is eligible to apply? 
A: Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply. We interpret the term “Mother” broadly, encompassing not only those who have given birth but also individuals who have engaged in the act of mothering and have been impacted by it.

Q: What are the performance responsibilities of participants? 
A: Each artist will develop an individual solo piece in collaboration with the team. Additionally, all participants will contribute to a collective choreography, which will be developed during the research period.

Q: What does the research phase entail?
A: The research phase involves developing the collective choreography and conducting interviews with individuals in public spaces, particularly those considered as “Others” in society, regarding their mothering practices. Our focus is on exploring transnational material-cultural objects in contemporary motherhood practices, examining how these objects traverse borders and cultures, their varied uses globally, their influence on cultural identities and values related to motherhood, and the role of waste in this context.

Q: What is the structure of the final performance? 
A: The final performance will be a 90-minute production featuring six performers. Our goal is to create a collective experience among the performers and extend this sense of community to the audience.

Q: What are the terms of engagement for participants? 
A: We provide transportation, accommodation, an artist fee, and a per diem. Transparency regarding working conditions, including time commitments and financial compensation, is a priority for us. We welcome inquiries about specific details to ensure that we can appropriately adjust workloads.

Q: Are non-Indian citizens eligible to apply? 
A: This opportunity is open to individuals residing in India who possess an Indian PAN Card and a local bank account. Applicants should have been living and working in India for a minimum of six months.