This is where I wanted to be tonight: at Dilston Grove, London, to participate in the performance of Act 55 of Anniversary—an act of memory, a public recitation from memory of the Preamble and 30 articles that form the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, led by Monica Ross (former tutor of mine with whom I would have liked to catch up, but that’s by the by). I chose Article 7 and learned it by heart, in my mother-tongue. Trying to remember the text, speaking it out loud to myself again and again, made me realize how precise and well-thought through the formulation is. Every single word calls forth, affirms, accentuates. The imprint on me of its meaning, its clarity and significance strengthened with every repetition.
I signed up because I believe that the Declaration of Human Rights is as relevant today as it was in 1948, and because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, my art. Unfortunately my body has suspended my plans. I am gutted. Over the last few days I’ve been in the pits of M.E.–fatigue with worse pain than I’ve had in months and going out is out of the question although I kept hoping until this morning.
I’ve recorded my recital though and am putting it out to the universe here! Will be at Dilston Grove in spirit.
Allgemeine Erklärung der Menschenrechte
Artikel 7
Alle Menschen sind vor dem Gesetz gleich und haben ohne Unterschied Anspruch auf gleichen Schutz durch das Gesetz. Alle haben Anspruch auf gleichen Schutz gegen jede Diskriminierung, die gegen diese Erklärung verstößt, und gegen jede Aufhetzung zu einer derartigen Diskriminierung.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
