7th/8th December 2024
by Pamela Banchetti and Benze C. Werner
We are looking back to two workshop days full of new meetings, consent practices, exchanges and moments of cosiness and joy. Here is a little report on our first edition of Crocheting Beyond Fears, which we could only realise with the big support of Cheers For Fears.
How did we come to create this format? From our own experiences as performing art students and then artists working in the professional field, we felt the need of creating a format which brings together artists to learn, discuss and exchange on consent and power critical work spaces in the performing arts scene. We, Pamela and Benze, were daring to learn tools to negotiate boundaries and consent in an artistic workplace where the body is central. How can we safely navigate power dynamics? How can performers say “no”, when we are so used to saying yes to everything?
We had the joy of sharing a cozy space filled with big yarn balls, with artists from various performing arts fields and our guest Facilitator Sondos Shabayek to share reflections, exercises, discussions and tools on how to navigate through collaborative working environments with a consent based approach
Intimacy Coordination as a tool in Performing Arts
On the first day, we introduced all the participants to the practice of hand crochet. We see this practice as a meditative tool. Everybody could use it as they pleased, to create, to concentrate, to disconnect or even escape moments of boredom. The first day was mainly led by the inspiring Sondos Shabayek who works in Berlin as an intimacy coordinator. She shared her expertise in practices of consent by introducing us to exercises and games to reflect on how we experience consent in our bodies. Sondos created a space for everyone to reach into deep and vulnerable places. The day consisted of individual and partner exercises as well as group discussions. A question which remained between us is who is negotiating consent in the performing arts? How can we establish a role in a performing arts project which is similar to the role of an intimacy coordinator in the film industry and who can negotiate consent safely?
Personal Riders, Messy Talks and Crocheting
The second day was facilitated by us, Pamela and Benze. We introduced the concept of Personal Riders. A Personal Rider is a document which can be used by artists in their own practice in order to express and negotiate the needs that allow them to work to their best potential. We led a Messy Talk (https://disruptingdance.com/whistle/messy-talks-a-discussion-toolkit) about Abuse of Power. After some moments of reflection and shyness the group was eager to discuss and hand each other tools to tackle this issue we are all so familiar with. As a final reflection we shared the first episode of Geminis On Air, a radio show we created to discuss the power of Gossiping and Complaining through meditation, an informal sharing, a love letter, songs and an anonymous gossipy tale. This moment was dedicated to listening and sharing space. Below you can find the link to the first episode. At the very end of the workshop we stitched together everyone’s creation from the last two days into a colorful crocheted blanket.
We are looking forward to continuing this workshop. We believe it is a crucial aspect of our work as artists to create transparent hierarchical work environments in a performing art scene where consent and communication is key to collaborative processes. Performing artists are experts of their own bodies and practices.
We thank everyone that was part of this: Ñaño Küche, who filled our hearts and bellies with nourishing Ecuadorian food during those two days, Quartier am Hafen for hosting us and all the people who gave us their old clothes and bedsheets, so we could crochet for two days.
Talking about our fears and coming back to our bodies, while materializing those moments of deep reflection and exchange into another gorgeous crochet object, was truly special.
Geminis on Air
Geminis on Air is a radio show hosted by Pamela and Benze. In the first episode, they’ve created an audio collage of songs, written texts, and laid-back conversations—all circling around gossip and complaining.
Here you can listen to Geminis on Air:
Tracklist
4 Non Blondes – What’s Up
M¥SS KETA – Pazzeska (Cover by Blodimery)
Sevdaliza with Pabllo Vittar and Yseult – Alibi
Annalis – Mon Amour (Cover by Aurora Pinto)
Nadia Tehran – Nazi Killer
Mannarino – Scendi Giù
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe
Please note that the songs are compressed to 15 seconds each due to GEMA regulations.
Authors & Hosts: Pamela Banchetti, Benze C. Werner
Production, Jingle & Editing: Ley Ghafouri
Special thanks to Cheers For Fears for the support!
(c) all photos in this article are by Tizian Hollweck