‘With/for Plants’: Resonances in Dance and Contemporary Performance (Ruth Geiersberger)

Abstract

This article examines the intricate interplay between humans and plants within the context of contemporary dialogues surrounding the climate crisis and the evolving dynamics of human and more-than-human relationships in the Anthropocene. With a particular focus on dance and performance, the article explores how networks of plants manifest in and influence artistic expressions. It scrutinises anthropocentric perspectives embedded in both scholarly discourses and artistic practices related to plant interactions. By delving into the nuanced variations in these relationships, as expressed through the use of prepositions such as ‘about’ plants, ‘as’ plants, ‘with’ plants and ‘for’ plants, the article aims to unveil how dance and performance have grappled with dismantling the hierarchical structures and colonising practices that often define the connections between humans and plants over the course of the twentieth century and up to the present day. The discussion extends to an analysis of whether there exists a potential for degrowth and an ethical alignment encapsulated in collaborative performances, exemplified by Ruth Geiersberger’s ‘For Plants’ (2020). Additionally, the article explores the transformative potential of ‘minor performances’ in reshaping and decolonising hierarchical dynamics in the intricate tapestry of human-plant relationships. Through this examination, the article seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on fostering languages of resonance and envisioning a more harmonious coexistence in the face of environmental challenges.