During the 2002 Israeli military invasion of Ramallah, people were arrested at random and put placed in a transitional prison camp while they decide whether to release the prisoners or transfer them to a permanent prison.
By coincidence a group of former classmates from Birzeit University are arrested in the middle of the night. They are held at this prison camp with hands tied and eyes covered.
In So You Think You Can Dance? the players will take the roles of characters that each represent different political views on how to end the occupation, as well as different visions for the Palestinian State. During the scenario the characters will revisit their political arguments from 1993 (year of the first Oslo Accords), and explore how these arguments and political views have developed by 2002.
What
So You Think You Can Dance? is an educational live-action game for non-Palestinians about the internal Palestinian political situation, for 5 to 10 players.
Designed by Riad Mustafa, Ureib Samad, and Mohamad Rabah
Organized by TLS
When
Sunday, 20 January 2019, from 2 pm to 6 pm
Where
So You Think You Can Dance? will take place at SpringBOX, located at 262 University Ave W in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Parking on site. METRO Green Line and bus lines stop nearby.
Registration
If you are interested in participating, fill out our So You Think You Can Dance? registration form before 11:59 pm on Saturday, January 12th. We’ll let you know if you are in the larp by Monday January 14th.
SpringBOX is a space for community events and programming, operated by Springboard for the Arts. We are requesting a pay-what-you-want goodwill donation ($5 suggested) to support the work of SpringBOX in appreciation for the use of their space. No one will be turned away if they are unable to make a donation.
Play style
So You Think You Can Dance? is a historical realistic scenario intended for educational purposes. Characters will engage in political arguments with each other, and while this is is not “competitive” per se, players should expect conflict between characters. Players will be handcuffed and blindfolded for certain segments of play, but aside from sitting in place, physical interaction between participants is minimal. (For example, there will be no portrayals of violence with any character that is bound.) We will discuss player boundaries during workshops at the event as to best accommodate the needs and comfort levels of all participants. Meta-techniques will also be employed, such as monologues and flashbacks.
The game was developed out of international cooperation between the Palestinian organization Peace and Freedom Youth Forum and the Norwegian organization Fantasiforbundet.
Costuming
Costuming not required, but comfortable and flexible clothing is recommended! Do bring an extra layer in case you get chilly.
Accessibility
Our venue should be fully accessible, the play space is level and open with wide doors. Seating will be available. We will not be using any spaces that are only accessible by stairs. We will be able to adjust the temperature. The bathrooms have been observed to be gender neutral. (If you have any specific questions about accessibility issues contact us.)
Content advisory
Play explores a contentious political situation that continues to this day. Though non-Palestinians are unlikely to be exposed to content that relates to their personal experience, participants may find themselves contemplating similar historical events that they relate to more closely. As mentioned above, participants will be handcuffed and blindfolded for segments of play. (We will workshop and calibrate this element at the event.) Players will find their character in conflict with the other characters as well as the Israeli soldiers (played by the organizers).
Contact
Contact us with any questions or concerns
One Reply to “Larp House Presents: So You Think You Can Dance?”