EN

Our performance, "Gaaner Kuli" (The Coolies' Song), takes as its subject the mechanisms of making and transforming material into artifact and, conversely, of recycling artifacts into material.
Based on several residencies in Bangladesh, in the districts of Old Dhaka dedicated to sorting, recycling, reusing and making objects, we have documented the transformation of the following materials: paper, metal - iron and copper - fabric, plastic, rubber - to make them the subject of a participatory performance in the public space.
For this performance we use large white bags filled with balloons to make light what is carried daily by all Dhaka's Kulis to transport goods. These bags serve as screens for mobile video-projections in the public space. The projected images invite the viewer to follow the process of transforming materials and objects, where each stage is linked to the next by visual, sound or gestural association. An orchestra of images of hands and machines that elevates these transformation processes to the status of art. The rich heritage of workers' knowledge and technical innovations is a treasure trove, despite the alienation caused by repetitive gestures. A mixed feeling of fascination and suffocation grips the viewer. The gestures are combined with portraits of workers to give a face to those who contribute to the wealth of Old Dhaka's economy. But the real masters of the economy are the Kulis (coolies), who master the ballet of goods as they master the ballet of white bags in this performance.

conception, direction | Ramona Poenaru & Gaël Chaillat
performance, images | Jaed Malek Anonno, Saif Alam Nabil, Rushmila Hossain Rashpi, Apon Biswas, Pinaki Nath, Shoaib Hossain Bappy and 6 local coolies from the Old Town Dhaka

additional images | Ramona Poenaru

production | Des châteaux en l’air
with the support of | Alliance Française de Dhaka, Pathshala Media Art School Dhaka, Hamidur Rahman Centre Jinjira

photos | Ramona Poenaru