MATRILINEAL: Performance Project and Activism Concerning Domestic Violence (2020-21)

MATRILINEAL: Performance Project and Activism Concerning Domestic Violence (2020-21)

MATRILINEAL is a dialogue between body based artist Ren Mauney (they/them) and singer/sound designer Telmo Branco (they/them) to examine domestic violence in heteronormative family lineages.
This work addresses the oppressive mentality which enables this abusive cycle to continue, as well as the hopeful revolution of emancipation.
The heteronormative concept of “woman” involves a type of resilience that thrives in alienation, silence, and delusion. It is yet another example of the way the gender binary is used to oppress, in this specific case within the patriarchal institution of family.
MATRILINEAL reflects on the aftermath of domestic violence and the cycle which is exhumed in each generation, while proposing the abolition of heteronormative family values as a conduit of liberation.

This project was also accompanied by community workshops for survivors of domestic violence.

This project is supported by Bundesregierung für Kulturen und Medien/Neustart KULTUR DISTANZEN Solo, Initiative Luna Park, Cie. Olga Roriz, Polo Cultural das Gaivotas, and #share AckerStadt Palast.

Premiere: AckerStadt Palast Berlin, January 21st, 2022
Tour: Here Arts Center NYC, August 17th, 2022

Concept and Performance: Ren Mauney
Sound Design: Telmo Branco
Videography: Alicja Hoppel
Photography: Amanda Lacson