Madison Nybog

Chain mail

In this interactive immersive performance, I work through the de-stigmatization of herpes through humor and uncomfortability. I speak on STDs and the dangers of misinformation spread through sex-ed and the media that further adds to the stigmatization.

“As viewers enter the room after being advised to take a condom off my body, they are forced to face their feelings of uncomfortability head on. Each time a condom is taken off my body it is removing a layer of “protection”, leaving me more and more vulnerable every time. The sheerness of the gown covering my body adds to that vulnerability, exposing myself to my viewers. I sit in silence throughout the performance, allowing the videos projected on the old TV monitor to speak for me, the same way the media has tried to speak on behalf of those with herpes.They distell harmful misconceptions into viewers' minds, projected within our society. The videos shown are so evidently misleading that it’s almost humorous, highlighting the urgent need for societal change. The silence of my voice speaks volumes, echoing the silent struggle those with STDs are forced to face against the noisy backdrop of societal misunderstanding. An endless chain that until broken will leave its heavy imprints on our society.”