Imperceptible

The Microscopic Child by Morgan Johnson, York University.

Written and Performed by Morgan Johnson

Directed by Alexandra Simpson

Imperceptible is a multi-media and mask solo performance piece that looks at inland city dwellers’ relationships to marine ecosystems, and how these relationships can open conversations about environmental and social justice. Developed from time spent volunteering for the Indigenous land defence camp on Lelu Island (where the federal government has recently approved construction of a liquefied natural gas export terminal on unceded territory without the hereditary leaders’ consent), this piece combines personal storytelling with dystopic fictional characters to speak to the colonial, patriarchal and capitalist ideals that inform so much of dominant Western culture’s relationship to more-than-human worlds. In a visual-oriented society, how do we foster ethical relations when the full impacts of our actions (whether geographically or temporally) are rarely visible to us?

*Lelu Island is unceded territory of the Gitwilgyoots tribe of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation on the west coast, where the company Petronas wants to build an $11 billion Liquefied Natural Gas export terminal against the hereditary leaders express wishes. For the past year and a half a land defense camp has been established on the island to protect the territory and waters. They need donations for food, boat maintenance, and other materials for maintaining the camp. Can’t come to the show but want to learn more? Go to https://www.laxuula.com/.