These Roots Never Blossomed

These Roots Never Blossomed (2025) — performance by Sana [surname], developed from her research project Sugar Cubes, an exploration of the historic industrial ties between Belgium and Iran in the sugar industry.

I was invited by the artist to collaborate across several phases of the creation.

Research phase: I assisted in the artistic research for Sugar Cubes, including [gathering/producing visual material — to specify] (paid, payslip available).

Outside eye and performer coaching: Since Sana was both creator and sole performer, she asked me to act as outside eye, drawing on my own experience as a performer. During studio sessions I worked with her on voice and melody, diction, body and stillness, and the quality of her stage presence. I also took part in the ideation process of the performance.

Poster image: I co-developed the concept for the poster through brainstorming with the artist, then created and edited the photograph.

Postcard (part of the performance): I created and edited the postcard that was handed to the audience as an integral element of the performance.

Performance photography and trailer: Two dedicated performances without an audience were organised for me. During the first, I created photographs based on my own artistic reading of the work, its concept and its story. During the second, I directed and filmed the shots for the trailer. The trailer was developed in meetings with Sana and with Arezoo [surname] (set designer), then shot and edited by me.