ContraDeath™

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Two-sentence summary:

I offered strangers immortality, but only after they’d written why they want to live forever. This is what they wrote.

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How it happens:

“Are you interested in living forever?,” I say to the passerby. They pause, acknowledging my existence, but don’t usually make eye contact.

I let the pause become pregnant. And I continue, “Today and today only, I have a unique opportunity for you. If you write down everything good that is happening in your life, right here on this form.” As this point, I show them a clipboard with a piece of paper attached. “I can help you live forever. All you have to do is fill out this form—writing why you’ve decided on immortality… and then we give you a small white pill. Then, [I snap my fingers] you’re swimming in the fountain of youth.

[Range of responses: smirking, laughing, confusion, anger, lack of interest.]

If they don’t punch me, I say, “Let’s get you started.” And walk them over to the table for them to write their ContraDeath™ note.

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This is how the responses are gathered:

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ContraDeath™ has been performed at:

1. Mastodon Mesa on March 4th, 2012
2. The Craft & Folk Art Museum on April 29th, 2012
3. Pasadena Museum of California Art on September 12th, 2012
4. All Saints Episcopal Church on January 17th, 2015