Later Date

“I think one day we will be able to go outside again.” These were the words with which the artist Lauren Lee McCarthy, caught between hope and fear, started her invitation for Later Date, a performance in two parts—although when the first part was being made it was far from clear whether the second part would ever follow. During the global lockdown, McCarthy invited people to chat online with her (part one) about a possible encounter in the future (part two).

In her chats with people all over the world, they fantasize about how and where they might be able to see one another. In the course of their chats they discuss all those other things they can't do at the moment. What they miss the most. Shaking hands, touching, breathing fresh air together outdoors, talking in the same space without screens between them. But they also discuss the significance of the word “later.” McCarthy kept all these chats. To perform at a later date. Just as soon as it’s allowed.

[Image description: Screenshot of laterdate.net with text "I think one day we will be able to go outside again"]