Playing the Victim
Playing the Victim is an interactive audio sculpture which explores gender violence through 5 distinct soundscapes.
On the physical sculpture, the audio pieces are triggered when a user touches the wired metal.
Below is a web version, adapted from the original p5.js sketch.
The HTML utilizes p5.js’s dom, sound, and collide2d libraries.
Please wear headphones for proper experience,
& review the content warnings below before listening to each piece.
A full cacophony lodges itself in the right eye.
Touching its face first, not its adornments, will only increase the tension.
All content warnings apply.
Content Warnings & Key
“Rape Culture”
Head of Screw
(Left Forehead)
CW: Rape Culture, Descriptions of Sexual Assault, Overlapping Voices
“Transphobia Bodily”
Half Penny
(Right Forehead)
CW: Transphobia, Overlapping Voices
“Remember How It Hurt”
Point of Screw
(Nose)
CW: Medical Trauma, Transphobia, Depictions of Sexual Assault, Harsh Noises
“Transphobia Safety”
Blade Half
(Left Cheek/Temple)
CW: Transphobia, References to Gender Violence, Religious Trauma, Overlapping Voices
“Orlando or Survival’s Guilt”
Blade Half
(Right Cheek)
CW: Mass Shooting, Pulse Orlando Shooting, Gun Violence, Overlapping Voices
Please consider your well being before listening.
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Thank you.
Orlando or Survivor's Guilt
This soundscape is the most simple. Patience Carter, a survivor of the Pulse Shooting, reads her poem "The Guilt of Being Alive is Heavy" in a court house following the shooting. This is overlayed with a vigil for the 49 people killed in the attack.
This event was one of the deadliest attacks on queer life in America.
Remember How It Hurt
The piece from the point of the screw on the nose is also a standalone audio narrative. More details below.
This story takes place in the mind of Jasper, a trans nonbinary survivor of sexual assault.
Their sister Nic guides them through the harsh reality of memory.
Credits
Nic/Counting: Jackie Chasten
Jasper/Breathing/Counting: Phoenix Lion
Doctor/Breathing/Counting: Ricardo Biramontes
Counting: Mahe Dewan
Written, Directed, Recorded, Edited by: Phoenix Lion
Please, listen on good quality stereo speakers or headphones to hear the full experience.