A UTOPIAN STORY OF FASHION

INSTRUCTIONS

What it is about:

“A Utopian Story of Fashion” is a dream journey into a possible future of textiles. In this future, you are free to dream and to pursue the hope of a beautiful, shared future.

What you need: 

• At least one narrator (can also be split between 2 or 3 people) sitting on a chair, sofa or armchair 
• Several disruptors 
• Printed or digital text for the participants 
• An audience that remains as stable as possible (also possible in a noisier setting such as an exhibition hall, but difficult) 
• Time: approx. 20 minutes for the text, at least 20 minutes for joint reflection
• Be aware that the version was written for an event in Germany in early 2026 and contains some context-specific references. You may of course adapt those for your own use.

How it works:

The story consists of three chapters, set in different regions of the world, yet interconnected. 

At least one person, the narrator, reads most of the story aloud. This continuous narrative guides the audience through the dream journey. However, the narrative is repeatedly interrupted by so-called “disruptors”. They appear to come from the audience. Their remarks confront the utopian story with the harsh reality of the present.  

The disruptors’ lines are indented and marked in italics in the script. It is important to note that the narrators secretly brief the disruptors before the performance begins and inform them of their role, without the rest of the audience finding out. The narrators ignore the interruptions.

It is worth pausing for a moment of silence after the story has ended.

Open questions for reflection: 

• How do you feel? 
• What thoughts are going through your head? 
• What have you taken away from the story? 
• What new ideas do you have that weren’t mentioned in the story at all?

We hope you enjoy “A Utopian Story of Fashion”!

We would very much appreciate hearing your thoughts and feedback!

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