performance / video / performance score
On Rape Attempts is a 20-minute performance by Tanja Ostojić at the Peristil, the most public, central, and significant location of the city of Split. In the heart of the historical centre, where the emperor once addressed his subjects, Ostojić performed a testimony regarding four rape attempts that she experienced 25-30 years earlier, and gave an empowering speech with the tips on possible ways to fight back if sexually assaulted, based on her own experience. At the same time, two young artists were performing along. Using improvised movements, Mia Bradić was embodying Ostojić’s testimony, while Alejandra Robles Sosa was translating it into embroidery. At the end, Ostojić opened the podium inviting other women who gathered there to give testimonies as well.
Review of the Mis(s)placed Women? Project Itinerary in Split, by Culture Hub Croatia
TANJA OSTOJIĆ
SCORE #5: SPEAKING THE UNSPEAKABLE
Around 20 minutes or longer, with or without preparation, three or more participants
Location: A public space where one can feel protected
About: This score is derived from my performance “On Rape Attempts” (Split, 2021) in which I described four cases of fighting back/escaping from rape attempts. The performance had an empowering effect on me, so I created this score as an invitation to others who have been exposed to sexual harassment or sexual violence1*, or have witnessed others in such a situation, to share their personal experiences in a safe circle or in a public space. It is important to share these stories if you feel that it will be an empowering experience for you and others around you, and a part of your healing process. You need to be in control of whether to share and how to share your experience as a survivor. You can choose in what circumstances and at what level of detail you feel comfortable talking about it. Ultimately, what matters most is what has value and meaning for you.
Instructions:
1. Select a location in a public space where you can feel safe and protected (by architecture, greenery, and by a crowd that would gather to support you). You can position yourself on an (imaginary) stage or in a safe circle that you draw on the ground.
2. Describe the situations in which you were sexually harassed. You may start with possible abuse you faced in your childhood or by telling stories that affected you the most in your life.
3. You can instruct two of your friends to co-perform. While you are talking, one of them can try to translate your words into improvised bodily movements and the other perhaps into embroidery or another artistic medium.
4. As you tell your story, in your own way you may try to explain how you tried to escape or fight back, what happened after the attack(s), your emotions during and after, and what kind of support you received or would have liked to have received.
5. Let your friends give you a healing hug when you finish.
6. You can also choose to shake out the str ess from your body.
7. You may invite other women present, both participants and viewers, to take your place and to tell their stories as well.
Notes: If you feel anxious, you may postpone and/or perform this score in the safety of a community centre or in a private space. Take your time to drink tea and talk with everyone there to support you after it is completed. Do not forget that speaking publicly has legal implications. Remember that there are ways to share your story while remaining anonymous. If you name the offender publicly or talk about a criminal act, you may need to consider getting a legal consultation to navigate the legal implications of your public testimony.
Tanja Ostojić: “Score #5: Speaking the Unspeakable”, 2022.
- *Attention: Please be aware that this score cannot be used as a tool for sexual violence survivors without supervision of a specialised social worker. Perhaps you may use it to speak of gender-based discrimination instead. ↩︎
TANJA OSTOJIĆ 