When I was in the safehouse, in the far north, with the other runaways, the days were long. We woke early, did our chores, slept little, but we were never tired. When the sky grew dim — it was never very dark — we sat, the five of us, together, and learned the new words.”

Safehouse is a new one-on-one audio and video performance by ONCE WE WERE ISLANDS, imagining in short, sharp detail how we might arrive in a Queer utopia. A yellow book, found buried in a ruin. An absent curator. A shift in time to an unfamiliar parallel future. What would a Queer utopia really look like? What sacrifices would we be willing to make to get there? Would we say ‘yes’ to this new life, or choose to stay behind? Through the Queer language Damiá, we also ask if language itself can be a refuge. 

Performance slots are for one audience member at a time, and the performance lasts around 20 minutes. Seats need to be reserved beforehand, using a separate form. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If, for any reason, you would prefer to attend the performance with a friend, rather than alone, let us know on the form. You don’t have to tell us why! It is our aim that you will be as comfortable as possible during the performance. The performances are free of charge. 

Performances at Titanik Gallery (Itäinen Rantakatu 8, Turku) as part of the XS Festival. In total, there are 18 slots available.
Fri 28.11. between 10:30–18
Sat 29.11. between 10:30–17

Registration form
NOTE: You can only attend the performance by filling out the registration form!

On Sunday, 30 November at 3 p.m., ONCE WE WERE ISLANDS and Titanik Gallery will host a free public workshop and discussion with artist Onur Tayranoğlu, thinking together about the intersection between Queer Autonomous Zones and linguistic separatism. No reservations are needed for the discussion event. The discussion will be held in English and it’s free of charge. Welcome!