Art / holocaust
MAYK presents ‘FORGE’, a powerful live metal-working installation from Rachel Mars
The award-winning international artist, writer and performer Rachel Mars makes work that blurs the boundaries of theatre and performance, often exploring female, Jewish and Queer identities and how they intersect.
Presented by acclaimed live art producers MAYK, she is bringing FORGE, her three day, live metal-working installation to Unit 15 on May 25-27.
Visitors to the installation will be able to witness Mars welding a replica of the iron ‘welcome’ gate bearing the phrase ‘Arbeit macht frei’ (work will set you free), stolen from the entrance to the Dachau Nazi concentration camp memorial in 2014. At the time, a local blacksmith forged an exact replica.
is needed now More than ever
FORGE, Rachel Mars – photo: JMA Photography
FORGE is the first in a series of new work from Mars, in which she looks at what it means to preserve a site of collective trauma; the “memorials, replicas, and human behaviour at spaces with difficult histories”.
The piece asks “what and who memorials are for, what should happen to places where traumatic events have taken place and who decides”.
The installation will be accompanied by a live soundscape from Dinah Mullen.
FORGE (age recommendation 16+) is at Unit 15, St Philips on May 25-27. Opening hours are 6-9pm on Thursday, 4-9pm on Friday, and both 12-3pm and 4-8pm on Saturday. Entry is given at 15 minute intervals, with each slot designed to allow a minimum of 45 minutes in the space.
Note that for all performances except Thursday, protective clothing must be worn. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.mayk.org.uk.
Main photo: JMA Photography
Read more: MAYK announces new residency programme supported by Jerwood Arts
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