The work is rooted in the philosophy of , specifically the idea that "to be a body is to be tied to a world".
Samama uses a whistle to make her labored breathing audible, emphasizing the physical exertion required to "be a body".
Background Materials is a hybrid event that combines two of Samama’s previous performance pieces into a single narrative arc: Core Material Action & Meaning The concrete wall michal_samama_-_background_materials (Original)...
The performance emphasizes the literal feel of materials—the squeak of plastic against skin or the friction of a body against a white brick wall. 4. Historical Context & Performance Sites
Reviewers from the New York Times and footage from Vimeo describe several defining features of the work: The work is rooted in the philosophy of
The work was notably performed at The Chocolate Factory Theater in Long Island City in 2014.
The performance often moves through non-traditional spaces, such as lobbies, elevator shafts, and basements, treating the venue itself as a "background material" to be excavated. This piece is a central part of Samama's
This piece is a central part of Samama's broader portfolio, which exists at the intersection of dance, theatre, and visual art. Michal Samama Background Materials
