creative writing school
Module 10: Text & Performance Art
structure
Introduction:
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- Historical context
- Colonialism and power dynamics:
- Gender, se.x.uality, and power
- Psychological dimensions
- Body memory
- Biopower
- Concept of performativity
- Antonin Artaud: "The Umbilicus of Limbo", 1925
- Warm-up: Exploring figurative drawings by Kubra Khademi
- Creative writing: Body-diary
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Your body is more than just a vessel; it is the living, breathing manifestation of your story. Each curve, scar, and line tells a part of who you are, and learning to love yourself is an ongoing journey—a radical act of rebellion against a world that often asks you to be anyone but yourself.
In this creative writing journey on the topic of Text & Body, we invite you to explore the depths of your relationship with your body. With each word, you will have the opportunity to reshape narratives that no longer serve you, to embrace the parts of yourself that you may have ignored or judged, and to cultivate a love that comes from within.
Self-love is not about perfection but acceptance. It’s about recognizing your worth beyond the external, connecting with your body in a way that honors its resilience, and celebrating all that it allows you to experience. As you write, let your words be a testament to this love—a reminder that your body is deserving of kindness, appreciation, and care.
In this creative writing journey on the topic of Text & Body, we invite you to explore the depths of your relationship with your body. With each word, you will have the opportunity to reshape narratives that no longer serve you, to embrace the parts of yourself that you may have ignored or judged, and to cultivate a love that comes from within.
Self-love is not about perfection but acceptance. It’s about recognizing your worth beyond the external, connecting with your body in a way that honors its resilience, and celebrating all that it allows you to experience. As you write, let your words be a testament to this love—a reminder that your body is deserving of kindness, appreciation, and care.
introduction
The body has long been recognized as a site of social, political, and cultural significance, reflecting and embodying the power dynamics that shape our societies. Drawing from sociological, philosophical, and psychological perspectives, in this course we explore the notion of the body as a political-affective geography, a historically shaped and colonized archive where power is contested and negotiated. Through an analysis of historical and contemporary contexts, as well as insights from philosophy and psychology, we examine how the body serves as a site of struggle, resistance, and negotiation in the ongoing quest for power and agency.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Throughout history, the body has been subject to various forms of control, regulation, and exploitation by those in positions of power. From ancient civilizations to modern nation-states, rulers and authorities have sought to govern and discipline bodies to maintain social order and reinforce existing power structures. Michel Foucault's concept of biopower elucidates how the body is subjected to disciplinary practices aimed at maximizing productivity and minimizing resistance within society. These historical processes have left indelible marks on the body, shaping its physicality, identity, and lived experiences.
Colonialism and power dynamics
Colonialism represents a stark example of how power operates through the body, as colonizers sought to assert dominance over indigenous populations through the imposition of bodily control and violence. Frantz Fanon's seminal work, "Black Skin, White Masks," examines how colonialism inflicts psychological and physical trauma on colonized bodies, perpetuating a legacy of racialized hierarchies and oppression. The colonized body becomes a battleground for contesting and negotiating power, resisting subjugation through acts of rebellion, solidarity, and cultural affirmation.
Gender, se.x.uality, and power
The body is also deeply entwined with gender and se.x.uality, serving as a site of social construction and regulation. Judith Butler's concept of performativity highlights how gender norms are enforced through repetitive bodily acts, perpetuating a binary understanding of masculinity and femininity. LGBTQ+ individuals navigate societal expectations and norms, challenging heteronormative power structures through acts of self-expression and resistance. The body becomes a site of empowerment and liberation, as individuals assert their identities and demand recognition and rights.
Psychological dimensions
Psychologically, the body is intricately connected to emotions, desires, and subjective experiences, shaping our sense of self and agency in the world. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the unconscious conflicts and desires that manifest in bodily symptoms and behaviors, illustrating the complex interplay between psyche and soma. Trauma, whether individual or collective, leaves lasting imprints on the body, influencing patterns of behavior, relationships, and identity formation.
theory
BODY MEMORY
| Ontogenic development of body representations |
From psychological, sociological, and philosophical perspectives, body memory refers to the idea that the body retains memories and experiences beyond the conscious mind.
Psychologically, body memory is often associated with somatic experiencing, a therapeutic approach that focuses on the body's physical sensations to process trauma and emotional distress. It suggests that traumatic experiences are stored not only in the mind but also in the body, manifesting as physical sensations, emotions, and behavioral patterns.
From a sociological standpoint, body memory is viewed as a product of socialization and cultural conditioning. Sociologists argue that our bodies are shaped by societal norms, values, and power dynamics, influencing how we perceive ourselves and interact with others. Body memory, in this context, encompasses the ways in which social structures inscribe themselves onto our bodies, shaping our identities and behaviors.
Philosophically, body memory raises questions about the nature of selfhood and consciousness. Philosophers explore how bodily experiences contribute to our sense of identity and personal narrative, challenging the Cartesian dualism that separates mind and body. Body memory, from a philosophical perspective, underscores the embodied nature of human existence, highlighting the inseparable connection between our physical being and our lived experiences.
Psychologically, body memory is often associated with somatic experiencing, a therapeutic approach that focuses on the body's physical sensations to process trauma and emotional distress. It suggests that traumatic experiences are stored not only in the mind but also in the body, manifesting as physical sensations, emotions, and behavioral patterns.
From a sociological standpoint, body memory is viewed as a product of socialization and cultural conditioning. Sociologists argue that our bodies are shaped by societal norms, values, and power dynamics, influencing how we perceive ourselves and interact with others. Body memory, in this context, encompasses the ways in which social structures inscribe themselves onto our bodies, shaping our identities and behaviors.
Philosophically, body memory raises questions about the nature of selfhood and consciousness. Philosophers explore how bodily experiences contribute to our sense of identity and personal narrative, challenging the Cartesian dualism that separates mind and body. Body memory, from a philosophical perspective, underscores the embodied nature of human existence, highlighting the inseparable connection between our physical being and our lived experiences.
Biopower
Michel Foucault's concept of biopower revolves around the idea of power exerted over populations through the regulation and management of biological life. Biopower, as Foucault describes it, refers to the techniques and mechanisms used by modern states and institutions to control and govern the life processes of individuals and populations.
Biopower operates at both the individual and collective levels, encompassing various forms of control over bodies, health, reproduction, and behavior. It involves strategies such as surveillance, normalization, and discipline, which aim to regulate and optimize the biological and social existence of populations.
One key aspect of biopower is its focus on the regulation of populations as a whole, rather than just on individuals. Foucault argues that modern forms of power are characterized by their concern with managing and controlling entire populations, rather than solely focusing on individual acts or behaviors.
Biopower is closely linked to concepts such as governmentality, which refers to the rationality and techniques of governance employed by modern states and institutions. Foucault traces the emergence of biopower to the rise of modern forms of governance, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, with the development of disciplines such as medicine, statistics, and sociology.
Biopower operates at both the individual and collective levels, encompassing various forms of control over bodies, health, reproduction, and behavior. It involves strategies such as surveillance, normalization, and discipline, which aim to regulate and optimize the biological and social existence of populations.
One key aspect of biopower is its focus on the regulation of populations as a whole, rather than just on individuals. Foucault argues that modern forms of power are characterized by their concern with managing and controlling entire populations, rather than solely focusing on individual acts or behaviors.
Biopower is closely linked to concepts such as governmentality, which refers to the rationality and techniques of governance employed by modern states and institutions. Foucault traces the emergence of biopower to the rise of modern forms of governance, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, with the development of disciplines such as medicine, statistics, and sociology.
Concept of performativity
Judith Butler's concept of performativity is rooted in the idea that gender identity is not inherent or fixed, but rather constructed and performed through repeated actions and behaviors. According to Butler, gender is not something that individuals possess or express, but rather something that they do through their everyday actions and interactions. These actions and behaviors are shaped by social norms, cultural expectations, and linguistic conventions.
In relation to text and the body, Butler's concept of performativity highlights the ways in which language and discourse play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of gender identity and expression. Texts, including written language, spoken words, and other forms of communication, contribute to the construction of gender norms and expectations. Through language, individuals learn and internalize societal norms regarding gender roles, behaviors, and appearances.
The body, in turn, becomes the site where these gendered performances take place. Through gestures, movements, clothing choices, and other bodily practices, individuals enact and embody gendered identities in accordance with societal expectations. These performances are not simply expressions of an inherent identity, but rather the result of ongoing social interactions and cultural influences.
By highlighting the performativity of gender, Butler challenges essentialist notions of identity and opens up space for alternative forms of gender expression and embodiment. This perspective underscores the role of language and discourse in shaping our understanding of gender, while also emphasizing the agency of individuals to subvert and resist dominant norms through their actions and performances.
In relation to text and the body, Butler's concept of performativity highlights the ways in which language and discourse play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of gender identity and expression. Texts, including written language, spoken words, and other forms of communication, contribute to the construction of gender norms and expectations. Through language, individuals learn and internalize societal norms regarding gender roles, behaviors, and appearances.
The body, in turn, becomes the site where these gendered performances take place. Through gestures, movements, clothing choices, and other bodily practices, individuals enact and embody gendered identities in accordance with societal expectations. These performances are not simply expressions of an inherent identity, but rather the result of ongoing social interactions and cultural influences.
By highlighting the performativity of gender, Butler challenges essentialist notions of identity and opens up space for alternative forms of gender expression and embodiment. This perspective underscores the role of language and discourse in shaping our understanding of gender, while also emphasizing the agency of individuals to subvert and resist dominant norms through their actions and performances.
inspiration
"A sensation of burning acid in the limbs, muscles twisted and raw, the feeling of being fragile like glass, a fear, a shrinking from movement, and the noise. An unconscious dismay of walking, gestures, movements. A perpetually tense will for the simplest actions, renouncing the simple gesture, a overwhelming and central fatigue, a kind of exhausting fatigue. Movements to be recomposed, a kind of deathly fatigue, fatigue of the mind for the simplest muscular tension, the gesture of taking, of unconsciously clinging to something, to support with an applied will.
A fatigue of the beginning of the world, the sensation of carrying one's body, a feeling of incredible fragility, which becomes a shattering pain, a state of painful numbness, a kind of numbness localized to the skin, which prohibits no movement but changes the internal feeling of a limb, and gives to the simple vertical stance the price of a victorious effort.
Probably localized to the skin, but felt like the radical suppression of a limb, and presenting to the brain only images of filamentous and cottony limbs, images of distant limbs and not in their place. A kind of internal rupture of the correspondence of all nerves.
A shifting vertigo, a kind of oblique dazzlement that accompanies every effort, a coagulation of heat that encircles the entire extent of the skull or is cut into pieces, patches of heat that move.
A painful exacerbation of the skull, a sharp pressure of the nerves, the neck stubbornly suffering, temples that vitrify or marble, a head trampled by horses."
Antonin Artaud: "The Umbilicus of Limbo", 1925
ANALYSIS
Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, poet, actor, and theorist known for his revolutionary ideas about theater and his exploration of the human mind. "The Umbilicus of Limbo" ("L'Ombilic des Limbes") is one of his works, published in 1925. In this text, Artaud delves into the complexities of the human body and mind, exploring the interplay between consciousness and the unconscious, reality and illusion.
Artaud's work often focuses on the body as a site of transformation and transcendence, and "The Umbilicus of Limbo" is no exception. Through vivid and often disturbing imagery, Artaud seeks to challenge conventional notions of reality and push the boundaries of artistic expression. The body becomes a metaphor for the inner turmoil and struggle of the human experience, with Artaud using it as a canvas to explore themes of pain, desire, and existential angst.
Overall, "The Umbilicus of Limbo" is a groundbreaking work that showcases Artaud's unique vision and his ability to push the boundaries of literature and art. Through his exploration of the body and the mind, Artaud invites readers to confront their own innermost fears and desires, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human soul.
Artaud's work often focuses on the body as a site of transformation and transcendence, and "The Umbilicus of Limbo" is no exception. Through vivid and often disturbing imagery, Artaud seeks to challenge conventional notions of reality and push the boundaries of artistic expression. The body becomes a metaphor for the inner turmoil and struggle of the human experience, with Artaud using it as a canvas to explore themes of pain, desire, and existential angst.
Overall, "The Umbilicus of Limbo" is a groundbreaking work that showcases Artaud's unique vision and his ability to push the boundaries of literature and art. Through his exploration of the body and the mind, Artaud invites readers to confront their own innermost fears and desires, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human soul.
creative writing exercises
I. Warm-up: Exploring figurative drawings by Kubra Khademi
Kubra Khademi is an Afghan artist known for her powerful and emotive figurative drawings that explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the human condition.
In this Warm-Up exercise, we will explore Kubra Khademi's figurative drawings, each offering a unique glimpse into the inner world of the depicted figures. These drawings invite us to reflect on our own body experiences and emotions, using them as inspiration for creative writing.
Step 1: Take a few moments to observe the figurative drawings by Kubra Khademi provided. Pay close attention to the details, shapes, and emotions conveyed in each drawing.
Step 2: Choose one drawing that resonates with you the most or sparks your imagination.
Step 3: Set a timer for 10 minutes and begin writing freely, allowing your creativity to flow. Use the chosen drawing as inspiration for your writing, exploring the following prompts:
- Describe the physical appearance and posture of the figure in the drawing. What emotions or thoughts do you imagine they are experiencing?
- Imagine yourself stepping into the shoes of the figure. What would it feel like to inhabit their body and experience the world from their perspective?
- Consider the backstory of the figure. What events or circumstances might have led them to this moment captured in the drawing?
- Reflect on the symbolism of the body language depicted in the drawing. How does it relate to broader themes or concepts in your own life or the world around you?
Step 4: Once the timer is up, take a moment to read over what you've written. Notice any recurring themes, vivid imagery, or unexpected insights that emerge from your exploration of the figurative drawing.
In this Warm-Up exercise, we will explore Kubra Khademi's figurative drawings, each offering a unique glimpse into the inner world of the depicted figures. These drawings invite us to reflect on our own body experiences and emotions, using them as inspiration for creative writing.
Step 1: Take a few moments to observe the figurative drawings by Kubra Khademi provided. Pay close attention to the details, shapes, and emotions conveyed in each drawing.
Step 2: Choose one drawing that resonates with you the most or sparks your imagination.
Step 3: Set a timer for 10 minutes and begin writing freely, allowing your creativity to flow. Use the chosen drawing as inspiration for your writing, exploring the following prompts:
- Describe the physical appearance and posture of the figure in the drawing. What emotions or thoughts do you imagine they are experiencing?
- Imagine yourself stepping into the shoes of the figure. What would it feel like to inhabit their body and experience the world from their perspective?
- Consider the backstory of the figure. What events or circumstances might have led them to this moment captured in the drawing?
- Reflect on the symbolism of the body language depicted in the drawing. How does it relate to broader themes or concepts in your own life or the world around you?
Step 4: Once the timer is up, take a moment to read over what you've written. Notice any recurring themes, vivid imagery, or unexpected insights that emerge from your exploration of the figurative drawing.
II. Creative writing: Body-diary
In this second creative writing exercise, we delve into the intricate relationship between text and body, drawing inspiration from the concept of the body as an archive, as articulated by Antonin Artaud. Our bodies carry within them a wealth of memories, both joyful and painful, shaping our experiences and perceptions. By engaging in a "body diary" over the course of a week, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of our physicality and the narratives inscribed upon it.
Prompt:
Prompt:
- Begin by setting aside dedicated time each day for introspection and reflection. Find a quiet space where you can focus solely on your body and its sensations.
- Take a few moments to center yourself, focusing on your breath and grounding yourself in the present moment.
- Close your eyes and slowly scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to each part in turn. Notice any sensations, tensions, or areas of comfort.
- As you explore each part of your body, allow memories and emotions associated with them to surface. Reflect on the significance of these experiences and how they have shaped your relationship with your body.
- Open your eyes and begin to write in your "body diary." Describe in detail the sensations, feelings, and memories evoked by each part of your body.
- Write freely and without judgment, allowing your words to flow naturally onto the page. Focus on capturing the richness and complexity of your bodily experiences.
- Repeat this exercise daily for a week, adding new insights and observations to your body diary each day.
- At the end of the week, take some time to review your entries and reflect on any patterns or themes that emerge. Consider how this exercise has deepened your understanding of your body and its significance in your life.
toolbox
In this online creative writing course offered by the School of Disobedience, we encourage you to challenge the traditional characteristics of the diary genre:
- First-person narrative: While diaries are typically written in the first person, offering direct insight into the author's thoughts and experiences, we invite you to mix different narratives and perspectives. Break free from conventional storytelling norms and explore new ways to engage your readers.
- Temporal structure: Diaries often adhere to a chronological order, documenting events over time. Here, we encourage you to play with anachronism and experiment with non-linear structures. Embrace the freedom to rearrange time and disrupt traditional storytelling conventions.
- Intimacy and authenticity: Diaries provide a glimpse into the author's innermost thoughts and emotions, fostering authenticity and intimacy. However, in our non-canonical and anti-academic writing course, we welcome sincerity and authenticity while also exploring the realm of fiction. Feel empowered to blur the lines between truth and fiction in your writing.
- Subjectivity: Diaries are inherently subjective, reflecting the author's unique perspective and worldview. While they often contain personal interpretations of events, interactions, and emotions, we encourage you to challenge this notion. Explore the interplay between subjectivity, mythology, and fantasy, allowing your imagination to roam freely.
- Reflective and introspective: Diaries often include reflections on past events, self-analysis, and introspection, offering insights into the author's personal growth and development. In our creative writing course, don't hesitate to introduce elements of the future. Embrace the potential for growth, change, and transformation in your writing, inviting readers to ponder the possibilities that lie ahead.
stay grounded & motivated
"As we reach the end of this class, take a moment to reconnect with your body—the vessel that carries your unique voice and creativity. Your body is more than a shell; it’s your home, your guide, and your strength. Embrace every curve, every scar, every story it holds. Self-love begins with acceptance, and acceptance is the foundation of true power.
In your writing and in your life, let this love be your anchor. Trust that your body, with all its imperfections, is enough. You are enough. Carry this awareness with you, nurturing both your words and yourself, as you continue on this journey of creative expression."
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
In your writing and in your life, let this love be your anchor. Trust that your body, with all its imperfections, is enough. You are enough. Carry this awareness with you, nurturing both your words and yourself, as you continue on this journey of creative expression."
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
Photo: Fortepan / Formanekné Nagy Zsuzsanna