With a quiet performance, theatre maker Martin Snip responded to the worldwide protests against racism and police brutality that have followed the murder of George Floyd. In What Looks Like Nothing, he explores the power of solitude and silence as a manifestation of solidarity.
“These changing times can feel overwhelming,” he explains. “Maybe you don’t know what to do. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable. Maybe you have many questions. You are not alone. There are many ways to grow and show your solidarity. This is the moment to educate yourself. To become silent. To listen to others and to put your ego aside. This is the moment to take your place. To face reality and take responsibility. This is the moment to speak up against racism. This is also the time to contemplate. To become aware of your own thoughts and actions. To think about your own history and imagine what future you want to live in.”
He summarises his performance in these words: “For this short time, I show my respect and solitude to the Black Lives Matter movement by being silent. By taking time to stand still. By facing the situation. By acknowledging my privilege and sending love to the pain and agony.”
“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.”
- Angela Davis
If you want to read or contribute even more material, check out these websites: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#, https://blacklivesmatter.com or https://www.withuiswerk.nl
