“Nest” is an immersive performance that confronts the visceral realities of addiction and its devastating ripple effects on those closest to the addict. Rooted in personal reflection and universal myth, the work draws upon the stories of Dionysus and Sisyphus from Greek mythology, intertwining themes of indulgence, burden, and cyclical struggle.

The performance begins with a symbolic gesture: filling a muslin pillowcase with grapes, a communal act that invites the audience to share in the labor and weight of addiction. Once filled, the pillowcase is sewn shut and cradled like an infant, a haunting representation of both vulnerability and the inescapable consequences of dependency. The descent down the stairs—marked by repeated falls—bleeds the bag of its contents, releasing a red, wine-like liquid that evokes both the allure and destruction inherent in excess.

At the bottom of the stairs, the burden shifts. The artist ascends, carrying the now-fragmented bag on their back, evoking Sisyphus’s eternal climb. This cyclical movement reflects the unrelenting toil of addiction and recovery, both for the individual and those supporting them. Returning to the table, the artist lays the pillowcase on the tray, closing one loop only to begin another.

The act culminates in a visceral, deeply personal ritual. Piercing their head with needles, the artist pulls their mother’s hair from their mouth, crafting it into a nest. The creation of the nest symbolizes a reclamation of identity amidst chaos, a delicate construction of safety and care within the wreckage. Blood spills from the artist’s head onto the nest, a stark and raw offering, underscoring the inextricable connection between pain, sacrifice, and love.

“Nest” invites viewers to confront the weight of addiction, its cyclical nature, and its profound impact on relationships and identity. Through mythic references and evocative physicality, the performance becomes a shared space for reflection, mourning, and resilience.

Nest was shared at Communitism in Athens as part Darkness Visible with the care and support of Ron Athey, Diana J Torres, Federica Dauri, Michele Occelli and Hermes Pittakos.

Artwork conceived and performed by Pierce Starre, Sound Design by Pierce Starre, Loincloth Design by Bert Gilmore and  Pierce Starre