Anti-Norm:

In 2021, the political situation urgently called for a rethinking of working methods and a clearer positioning in artistic practice. For 14 years, anti‑racism and decolonization have been the foundation of Grupo Oito’s work. Now, we aim to deepen our impact—both physically and discursively—by asking: What does it mean to be anti‑racist?

We used the pandemic pause to inject new impetus into our practice. By reflecting on our varied positions within the group, we set out to (re)learn together and to establish fresh thoughts, perspectives, and feelings. With both bodies and ideas, we sought new horizons.

Method

The Get Physical Process (GPP) has been the heart, experimental field, and breeding ground of Grupo Oito since its inception. It is our core training method, into which diverse techniques flow. Each piece emerges from improvisational methods that:

• Take the group’s own experiences within post‑colonial and patriarchal structures as their starting point.
• Adapt and evolve as our constellation and themes shift.

Theoretical Framework

A central pillar of this research is Achille Mbembe’s concept of necropolitics, which exposes modern forms of subjugation. Necropolitics is a technique of power that—within liberal democracies and on a global scale—ultimately decides who may live and who must die. By shifting our gaze beyond Central Europe, we acknowledge the pivotal role of colonial slavery in the rise of Western capitalism.

Physical Practice

Curves, Arcs & Bridges
Physical memory carries our layered histories and shapes our movement. To open these layers, we work with backbends and fluid curves, displacing the body’s vertical “norm” into whimsical, undulating forms. The fragile front—pelvis, abdomen, heart—is stretched to the extreme, prompting us to ask: How does this alter our sense of self and our perception of the world?

Corpo Cavalo
In this state, the body becomes animated and possessed by something “other.” This new physicality—unfamiliar to our habitual nature—shakes the status quo. The Corpo Cavalo is a body that momentarily loses balance and control, perhaps revealing deeper layers within us.

How We Worked

Collaborative Movement Research: We combined shared movement sessions with individual theoretical study and personal storytelling.

Remote Sharing: When in-person practice was impossible, each member continued experiments solo and shared video documentation within the group.

This research culminated in our premiere performance, Ubiquitous Assimilation, but its insights continue to inform every step of Grupo Oito’s evolving practice.