This workshop formed part of one of Catherine Contour’s writing and research residencies at the Choreographic Centre in 2006 (May/October/December) for FEUILLETON -en épisodes-, (SERIAL -in episodes-), Super Production Chorégraphique à Poils (Hairy Choreographic Super Production).

Stemming from the desire to share the research work with young artists, it questions the performing act in the public space based on notions of hybridisation and heterotopia.
The experimentation is developed in the form of observation of animals, users and a whole host of activities deployed throughout the day in the zoo (during and outside general public opening times). It takes place in the various parts of the garden including a temporarily unoccupied animal pen.
It blends the notions of project, context, forming part, legibility, intensity, preparation and improvisation.
 

Observation:
The impact of a performing act in such a context can largely exceed all expectations. A piece of synthetic fur placed between blocks of stone can create an event worthy of progressively reaching management level and can give rise to extremely violent reactions from visitors (stone-throwing, shouting abuse, etc.).
Display and wording play a decisive role in the reading and interpretation of gestures, attitudes and activities. The same action worded differently on the display panels of animal pens will meet with very different reactions.
This mode of living very differently in a place reveals and amplifies to the extreme behaviours and ways of functioning.  

CCN Montpellier :  www.mathildemonnier.com