The Sway of Themis
interactive, performed installation created for existing sculpture by Colin Chase

Materials include: galvanized steel buckets, red yarn, knitting needles, salt sachets, one performer in black.

Based upon the ancient myth of the Three Spinners (or Fates) who spin, weave and cut our life destiny, this piece has three sections, repeated as often as necessary.

Part One: With gestures and whispers, the performer encourages audience members to sit in one of three stools and help spin red yarn into balls. Three rotating participants act as a human swift, holding a large skein aloft while performer circles them, winding the yards of yarn into balls. The performer whispers old peasant work chants and pagan rhymes in their ears. Participants are asked to whisper their dreams, which are blown into and captured in the balls.

Part Two: Performer sits alone and continues to knit an impossibly long length of red wool. At this time, the audience tends to sit and talk with the performer, which is encouraged; each viewer is offered a gift.

Part Three: Performer ties an end of one of the balls to willing participants and allow them to walk freely in the space for a brief time, trailing their life thread through the gallery. Perhaps two strangers will get tangled and meet. Performer may tie two ends of the same thread to two unsuspecting people. Performer may gently tug the yarn which will direct the participants to a different course. After just enough time, performer cuts the tie free, allowing the red cord to mark them and drag behind as a piece of tangible past.

Presented at Exit Art/The First World, New York City;
November, 1996