Performance art is usually associated with intensity, embodied politics, transformation, vulnerability and conceptual relationships to existential and philosophical or political questions often embodied. All incredibly weighty. We love that, particularly in digital times. But what about the role of joy, play, pleasure and subversion as a political activation, device or form of agency? Especially in times of overwhelming political discomfort and multiple crises.

This is a directed but open conversation question and answer game by performance, dance and video artist Alexa Wilson using the conversation relay game with anyone who would like to partake, artists and non-artists alike. We playfully and intimately understand and share understandings and experiences of the role of play, pleasure, subversion, satire and joy within performance art.

What is it about these elements that often underlies performance art in its sometimes absurdist stature as social commentary to assign the work some extra human depth? We live in the age of memes and in which everything is digitally performative, but how can or does performance art use joy and subversion in a powerful or unique way to generate agency?