The Script
“Offening”
(Pens and paper are laid out.)
(Welcoming the participants.) Welcome! Together, here and now, we’re opening Zurich’s newest Off Space! We need: a name, a concept and art. To do this, we’ll play the drawing game Cadavre Exquis. We’ll create the Off Space in three steps:
1. Name and basement
2. Middle section
3. Roof
Let your imagination, intuition, dilettantism and a good dash of daring guide you. Arak helps too (Sophie and Etienne hand out shots of Arak.) Let’s go! Draw for three rounds, and pass the drawings on whilst the music is playing (Esther on the turntable).
Sophie and Etienne collect the drawings. Participants step outside. The jury withdraws to deliberate. An impromptu exhibition is now set up using the Cadavre Exquis drawings (costume change).
(Door opens, viewing of the artworks, a record is playing, Esther is taking photos) Welcome! We are opening Zurich’s newest Off Space right here and now – the name is still a secret! Dear jury, please get on with it. (Sophie announces the jury’s decision and the name of the new Off Space. Etienne awards the red dot to the winning drawing. Applause!) Dear jury, please explain your decision! (The jury reads out the report.)
Closing speech: We’re making art history in Zurich! We’ve just opened the newest off-space in Zurich! We have all contributed and are part of it! (Sophie opens a bottle of champagne, Etienne hands out cups, music plays, the audience chats over drinks, the event draws to a close.)
Performance by and featuring Esther Eppstein, Sophie Nadler and Etienne Eisele at the Last Tango art space, as part of the one-day workshop ‘A Workshop for Independent Art Spaces: From Dedicated Dilettantism to Professional Savoir-Faire’, organised by Last Tango (Arianna Gellini and Linda Jensen).