Event Recap
One-Meter Chain Reaction: Hyde Park
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08 Jun 2025, Dongdong, London
Last weekend, on May 17th, we successfully held the latest edition of One-Meter Chain Reaction
at Hyde Park, London.
One-Meter Chain Reaction: Hyde Park
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08 Jun 2025, Dongdong, London
This time, we adopted a more playful approach to explore how the body can create interaction and connection within public space. Before we began the activity, we shared stories about the history of Hyde Park and the Serpentine Lake, along with some lighthearted animal anecdotes—featuring Canada geese, mischievous squirrels, and the mysterious “manhole cover legends.”
With the idea of connecting past and present—and linking person to person—we launched into this one-hour experimental action: standing in a line, one meter apart, we mimicked, led, and rotated roles. Everyone took turns observing and being observed, leading and following, shifting between positions and perspectives.
We attuned ourselves to the varying density of the grass beneath our feet, touched the textures of tree bark with our hands, and engaged with subtle elements in the park—like rope barriers, small raised platforms, and indented lines in the ground.
Some special moments quietly emerged—poetic and humorous in nature
At one point, we gently followed behind a person pushing a stroller, forming a spontaneous “tail.” Unaware of our presence, the person continued their usual walk, unknowingly “leading” a group of strangers. This reversal of agency turned an ordinary stroll into a subtle, improvised performance.
More moments like this unfolded throughout
We noticed someone lying on the grass, scrolling on their phone, so we silently lay down beside them, one by one, mirroring their posture. They didn’t notice—but passersby did, and many were amused by the strange tableau.
At times, we would pause mid-walk, lie down collectively, or mimic others’ body language, creating a surreal and whimsical kind of “mimicry theatre.” We also followed groups of children playing with a ball, echoing their movements—passing, kicking, dodging—becoming a silent and humorous “interactive shadow.”
These spontaneous “chain reactions” went far beyond our original rules, evolving into genuine, embodied encounters with strangers, the environment, and the present moment.
During our final group reflection, we also discussed how different spaces shape different experiences. Compared to our first version of the activity at Granary Square (in front of CSM’s fountains), this Hyde Park edition emphasised a fluid interplay between people and nature, chance and observation.
We look forward to bringing One-Meter Chain Reaction to other public spaces around London,
continuing to experiment with how each unique setting might spark new kinds of reactions. Thank you again for walking with us. More sessions coming soon.
(next time Barbican!!!)
(next time Barbican!!!)
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