A RAPIST IN YOUR PATH
by colectivo LASTESIS
The activist collective LASTESIS from Chile brings feminist theory to life. In their artistic and political practice, the members of the collective explore the living conditions of women* with a focus on Latin America and draw attention to the ongoing sexualised violence against women*, femicides and misogynous conditions. Their critique of patriarchy can be understood as a direct challenge. In their workshop followed by a performance at the Theater Spektakel, colectivo LASTESIS asks: How can (and must) we resist? The starting point is the hymn «A Rapist in Your Path», which can be understood both as a visualisation of repressive structures and as a tool of collective empowerment. It was first performed by colectivo LASTESIS in the Chilean city of Valparaíso in 2019 and subsequently spread across the globe as a viral video and protest anthem. Originally, the accompanying choreography was not explicitly intended as a protest, but rather as a critique of violent, patriarchal structures. But, following incidents of sexualised violence against demonstrators during the Chilean protests in October 2019, it took on an even greater urgency. The colectivo LASTESIS adapted the text and choreography and from then on dedicated it explicitly to police (violence). Today, «A Rapist in Your Path» stands for intersectional resistance against a culture that veils and favours violence against women*.
Patriarchy is our judge
That imprisons us at birth
And our punishment
Is the violence you don't see.
Patriarchy is our judge
That imprisons us at birth
And our punishment
Is the violence you can see.
It's femicide.
Impunity for my killer.
It’s our disappearances.
It’s rape.
And it's not my fault, not where I was, not how I dressed.
And it's not my fault, not where I was, not how I dressed.
And it's not my fault, not where I was, not how I dressed.
And it's not my fault, not where I was, not how I dressed.
And the rapist was you.
And the rapist is you.
Its the cops,
It’s the judges,
It’s the system,
It’s the president.
This oppressive state is a macho rapist.
This oppressive state is a macho rapist.
And the rapist was you.
And the rapist is you.
Sleep calmly, innocent girl
without worrying about the bandit,
over your dreams smiling and sweet,
watches your loving cop.
And the rapist is you.
And the rapist is you.
And the rapist is you.
And the rapist is you.