Sonia Finley

This performance takes place over the course of an art opening and performance event. At the beginning of the night I make a brief announcement that outlines the rules of a game that will continue throughout the evening. I hand out direction cards that designate each person as either a follower or an initiator. The directions instruct people to initiate or respond to various actions, some routine (like clapping, gathering, or introducing oneself) and some unusual (like lying down on the floor or dancing). Through this exaggeration of existing social scripts I wanted to heighten people’s awareness of them. I also wanted to make people’s participation in these games both explicit and unannounced (since no one knows which actions are or are not part of the game).

Directions Game, Performance, direction cards, 2.5” x 3”), Papa B Studios, Brooklyn, New York. 2008