The U.S. Mission co-sponsored the performance installation of ‘Human Writes’ – a collaboration of acclaimed American choreographer William Forsythe and Columbia Law Professor Kendall Thomas. The performance, part of the Antigel.ch performing arts festival, also received support from the Swiss and the German Missions to the United Nations in Geneva and featured Geneva and Frankfurt based dance companies. The Human Writes performance enabled spectators to reflect upon the history of human rights and the obstacles that prevent their full implementation. Ambassador Donahoe spoke at the opening: “The use of the movement arts will bring to life the document that has guided the commitment of the United States and the international community to protect human rights since its adoption on December 10, 1948: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Human Writes

Performance installation by William Forsythe and Kendall Thomas

Concept: William Forsythe / Kendall Thomas

Stage / lighting / costumes: William Forsythe
Sound design: Dietrich Krüger / Niels Lanz / Thom Willems

Performance at the United Nations Office at Geneva - Feb 23, 24, 25.

In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over 50 years later, in a joint project with Professor Kendall Thomas, The Forsythe Company focuses on the act of inscribing basic rules for both the individual and society. «Human Writes» is a performative installation that reflects the history of human rights and the continuing obstacles to their full implementation.
(Imanuel Schipper)

The Geneva performance of Human Writes was undertaken with the support of teh UN office at Geneva in cooperation with the Permanent Missions of Switzerland, the United States, and Germany.

Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe’s Remarks at the Opening of the Human Writes Performance: geneva.usmission.gov/2012/02/27/ambassador-donahoe-welcom...

See the Wiliam Forsythe Website for more information: www.williamforsythe.de/installations.html?&no_cache=1...

U.S. Mission Photos by Eric Bridiers