Joana Tischkau - RUNNIN’

RUNNIN’ is a performance that explores the perception of Black individuals who run. It addresses the racialized narratives surrounding the achievements of Black athletes, revealing white fantasies of an almost superhuman strength and speed. In public spaces, Black runners often face prejudice, distrust, or even physical violence. This performance creates a virtual space that juxtaposes extraordinary athleticism with the dangers faced by Black bodies in motion. It questions the meaning of 'everyday' movement, the permissions granted to different bodies, and how much space is allowed to whom. The choreographer Joana Tischkau combines white projections of Black athletes with the concept of 'pedestrian movement', a form of postmodern dance from the 1960s that focuses on simple, everyday movements. The performance features Tischkau and her performers as they stroll, pause, walk, run, and form new pathways, challenging contemporary dance norms.