I am from Reykjavik

A woman builds a small house in a public space. Four strokes of paint sprayed on the asphalt form a square in the middle of the city. For seven straight hours, these marked boundaries will be the scene of an unusual encounter. Surrounded by plants, a framed family photo, a cup of tea ready to be made, and maybe some music, slowly and calmly, Sonia Hughes sets up a space for herself. I am from Reykjavik is part sculpture, part ceremony, part protest. 

Where do you come from? What brings you here? What makes up your home? Simple as they may be, Sonia Hughes’ questions can seem almost impudent. Her performances, often involving some kind of participation, address identity through an open-ended, conversational approach. Poetic and unpretentious, her works are there to connect people.

Produced by Sonia Hughes
Created and performed by Sonia Hughes
Architect Lee Ivett
Costume Design Claudette Joseph
Artistic Advisors Linda Brogan + Adeola Dewis + Juliet Ellis + Jo Fong + Rabab Ghazoul + Owen Griffiths + Jane Mason + Humberto Velez + Emma Wolukau-Wanambwa + Fiona Wright
Photos Solomon Hughes
Teacups Susan Cragg
Production Directors Greg Akehurst + Rob Athorn
Producer Richard Morgan

Commissionned by SPILL Festival (Ipswich) + Jerwood Arts (London) + LIFT Festival (London)
In partnership with Festspillene I Nord-Norge (Harstad) + SPRING performing Arts Festival (Utrecht) + ILT Festival (Aarhus) + Royal Docks (London)
Presented in association with Luminato Festival (Toronto) + Maison de la culture Maisonneuve

Premiered at LIFT (London), on August 6, 2021

Written by Catherine Girardin
Translated by David Dalgleish