Mind Control Victims Anonymous (MCVA) is an interactive poetry performance taking the form of a fictional mind-control support group. The performance navigates themes of free will, coercion and the relationship between an audience and a performer. Saunders explores the conditions of emotional endurance, vulnerability and care required for a completely improvised performance.

The performance encourages audience interaction and participation. It draws on the tools gained through participation in Melati Suryodarmo’s performance art laboratory, Present to Presence, at Ikon in May 2023 and through Saunders’ artist residency with Vivid Projects, 2022-23.

“I am excited by the opportunity to learn from Melati’s meditative and physically embodied approach to performance. I aim to expand my toolkit with strategies for deepening my artistic freedom, improvisation, and connection to my body.” Samiir Saunders

About the artist

Samiir Saunders (b. 1996 – he/they) is a multimedia poet based in Birmingham, working primarily within the realms of spoken word, hip-hop, live coding, poetry film and performance art.

Saunders’ creative work is dedicated to modelling playful vulnerability, in order to arm individuals with the tools to be curious, compassionate and vulnerable in their own daily lives and relationships. This work often lands on themes of Black joy, queer love, climate justice, shame, (mis)communication, intimacy and the Internet.

Vivid Projects + Ikon is a programme of free performances curated by Vivid Projects  and presented as part of Passionate Pilgrim, Melati Suryodarmo’s first UK solo exhibition.

Mind Control Victims Anonymous (MCVA) is a live interactive performance and takes place from 12.30-2.30pm, Second Floor Galleries, Ikon. More information here