DESCRIPTION
With the means of happenings, street art and internet activism, satirical parties use humour and wit to parody the political elites of our times. They urge us to reflect on the absurdity of real politics while reaching a wider spectrum of voters, perhaps even citizens who have become politically disengaged. Usually operating on the fringes, some parties have gained an unexpected following and enough votes to achieve ‘the impossible’: a seat in parliament.
The EUSAP LIVE performance is the live element within The European Union of Satirical and Artist Parties exhibition – an experimental project gathering 10 satirical parties that face or have faced authoritarian regimes, populism and political apathy in their countries. The piece explores the weight of the democratic vote by inviting audience members to participate in a live poll. They are offered a selection of satirical multiple choice answers to questions drawn from the current issues and discussions surrounding the European Union. Depending on the percentage of voters, shown on a projection screen, the winning answer is incorporated into an installation and performance: are these the tools that will shape the future of Europe?
CREDITS
Concept & Performance: Beatrix Joyce & Maja Smoszna
Digital interface: Bartholomew Joyce
Advice: Christoph Thun
PERFORMANCES
European Union of Satirical and Artist Parties, Gouvernement, Gent, 26 May 2019
