Performing with the soil challenges our collective capacity to develop performative protocols for healing and caring for the soil. Anyone can observe that the wildlife of the soil, composed of macro- and micro-organisms, is endangered by human activity. Our aim is to develop, share and experiment with the theoretical, practical and artistic tools needed to contribute collectively to the healing of the soil.

Our research is based on those interconnections present in our own practices: the role of weeds for Christophe Alix and soil decontamination for Caroline Le Méhauté. Through the observation of living beings that cohabit on the lands where we will do our research, we will learn to listen to the soil itself. For instance, the presence, features and locations of bio-indicator plants tell the story of their inter-relationships, and the subterranean histories of the soil through which they are interwoven (inter-species

exchanges and co-transformation, micro-organism activities, locations of specific pollution from human origin). These observations will lead, in collaboration with botanists and microbiologists, to a series of experiments in which the act of caring for the soil is experienced in its performative dimension. Performances based on these gestures and our knowledge in regard to soil care will be devised and then shared with the public in participative and educational workshops. The public will then be able to take forward these performative protocols, possibly modifying them and experiencing them physically and mentally. Once these ecological and performative protocols have been tested and validated by the participants in the research workshops, they will be referenced and shared through public performances, conferences and the publication of a website.