FORGE

In 2014, the 100kg ‘welcome’ gate was stolen from Dachau concentration camp. A local blacksmith made a replica, exactly like the original. Artist Rachel Mars has never been to Dachau but a lot of her family ended up in places just like it because they were Jews. This Spring, Rachel will make an exact replica of the replica gate across three days, out of 60kg of mild steel and some new welding skills. You are invited to watch.

FORGE explores who memorials are for, what happens to places where traumatic events take place and who decides. Examining how objects become contaminated by history, FORGE investigates how to balance living with a traumatic past with a responsibility to the present.

Featuring a sound-scape created live by sound artist Dinah Mullen, audiences are invited as witnesses as the artist welds over three days within the epic proportions of new experimental Leeds venue, Testbed. Alongside the installation, two conversations at the Tetley will give space for provocations and reflection.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE FORGE…

EXPERIENCE THE INSTALLATION – Come and experience the FORGE installation at Testbed. There are multiple time slots available between Thurs 31 March-Sat 2 April. Book for a time slot – but plan to stay as long as you like, subject to capacity. Please arrive wearing long sleeve top and trousers and close covered shoes. You will be given a welding helmet to wear on arrival. You will then be invited to enter the space to stand, sit, watch and be immersed in this epic durational experience.

JOIN A CONVERSATION – Come along to the Tetley to hear provocations from artists and activists working in the field of memorialisation. Join to hear inspiring speakers and get involved in the conversation with a bite to eat.

Conversation 1: Personal
Thu 31 March, 7.30pm
Rachel Mars will discuss her process, practice and her approaches to the issues contained in the work – including inherited historical trauma.
Featuring speakers: Rachel Mars & Malika Booker.

Conversation 2: Local
Fri 1 April, 7.30pm
Civic and community leaders/activists and artists will kick off the conversation by talking about memorial issues of pertinence to Leeds.
Featuring speakers: Alison Lowe, Dr Emily Zobel Marshall & Paula Kolar. Facilitated by Toni-Dee Paul.

Rachel Mars is a London based, multi award-winning writer and performer with a background in theatre, live art and comedy. She grew up as the only gay in a British/Jewish family that attempted to balance English propriety with Yiddish volume.   FORGE is commissioned by Transform and Cambridge Junction with support from Stobbs New Ideas Fund. With support from Chapter Arts Centre, Horizon Showcase, Metal Culture, MGCFutures and Asylum Arts. Originally developed through the Barbican Open Lab programme