The Sleepers

 

Throughout my life I have seen, without one exception,

narrow-shouldered men performing innumerable idiotic acts,

brustalising their fellows, and corrupted souls by every means.

They call the motive for their actions: fame.

Seeing these exhibitions I’ve longed to laugh, with the rest, but that strange imitation

was impossible. Taking a penknife with a sharp-edged blade,

I slit the flesh at the points joining the lips.

For an instant I believed my aim was achieved.

I saw in a mirror the mouth ruined at my own will! An error!

Besides, the blood gushing freely from the two wounds prevented

my distinguishing whether this really was the grin of others.

But after some moments of comparison I saw quite clearly that my smile

did not resemble that of humans: the fact is, I was not laughing.

​

Choreography: Anmar Taha

Performers: Hayder Alfraje, Raed Al Azawe & Anmar Taha

​

Premiered 2010

 

With support from:

The Swedish Arts Council

Gothenburg City Culture Committee