Performance: Beyond Survival School Bus | Léann Herlihy

Beyond Survival School Bus (2022) is a free 90-minute bus tour with a pedagogical discourse that spans from eighteenth-century hedge schools to twenty-first-century school tours.

Departing from the urban sphere and commencing its voyage deep into the mountains, the school’s curriculum explores the polemic effects of ‘self-perseverance’ through the social practice of survivalism; moving through examples such as an assimilated ‘outdoor’ swimming pool situated in a 15-story underground survival bunker designed for those who hoard economic wealth, to skimming the surface of open resources available from online prepping communities. Delving into the lack of depth within these social movements, Ranger Herlihy forewarns of the damaging effect of implicated de-prioritisation of collective scale action—that is, the point at which preparing for the potential risks brought about by environmental, economic and/or societal damage supersedes the more important task of advocating for structural and revolutionary change. Utilising the scripted nature of reality survival shows, Ranger Herlihy provides a participatory script to each scout and invites them to take up a single role spanning from Doomsday Prepper alumni, ‘Warrior’ Martin to ‘eco crusader,’ Al Gore.

Continuing in their journey beyond survival, the collective narrative moves towards building a future where both humans and nonhumans, deemed unproductive by utilitarian standards, are valued for their own nature. Yet, creating space to stray away from the ‘natural,’ as these un-natural positions, offer alternative views for imagining new, just, and sustainable ways of living beyond survival.

Beyond Survival School Bus (2022) was originally commissioned by Dublin Fringe Festival’s Make Space for Art Award.

Seating for this performance is limited, and registration is required. If an audience member can no longer attend, please inform the TULCA team so the ticket can be reallocated.

Image: Léann Herlihy, Beyond Survival School Bus (2022). Photo: Niamh Barry

Access
We aim to ensure that our event is accessible to all individuals interested in attending. If you have access related questions, please contact info@tulca.ie

Gaol Road and Bus
Accessible bus - 19 seater with 1 wheelchair space.
No toilets
Accessible parking - Cathedral Parking is 60m from the bus pick-up point with 9 Disabled parking spaces. The car park is Pay & Display and accepts both coins and card payments.

The bus will be stopping at a midway point. Audience members are encouraged to go outside, but it is not obligatory. It is advisable to bring a light rain jacket and wear waterproof shoes/runners/boots.