ROPETIMES with Luke George

Touching and Tying - A workshop in rope bondage and navigating intimacy, pleasure and consent

After hugely attended workshops in Naarm/Melbourne (Midsumma, Gaytimes, Pitch Festivals), ROPETIMES come to Eora/Sydney for the first time.

Facilitated by acclaimed artist and ropeworker, Luke George (HUNDREDS+THOUSANDS, Liveworks 2022, STIILL LIVES - NGV/Rising 2022) - an introductory rope bondage class for beginners and anyone who wants to learn, practice and play. Come with a partner or meet someone at the workshop. No previous experience required. Rope provided.

Rope is a sensitive and dynamic material. It can act like a conductor between bodies where energy, pleasure and power are exchanged. A sensuous art form and a form of play, rope bondage is a dynamic relational practice that involves a heightened sense of touch and sensitive mutual listening between the giver and the receiver, as they communicate their consent, trust, empathy and pleasure to each other. Discover what works for you and your partner/s.

DATE AND TIME
Sat 2nd September, 2023
11:00am - 6:00pm
(Including one hour break for participants to get lunch)

LOCATION
Gadigal Land, Eora Nation
Location: A comfortable, spacious and private studio in Sydney’s inner west
(Location and details to be provided to participants upon completed registration)

ACCESSIBILITY
The studio is located on the ground floor which has a single step down in the entranceway (no wheelchair ramp).

TICKETS
Tickets (per individual)
$95 Full
$70 Concession

Exploring kink and pleasure should be for everyone, Luke wants to make this workshop accessible to anyone who wants to learn. We have a special allocation of $35 tickets for folks who may be experiencing barriers to participating. If you need to access a ticket, please write to us at admin@performancespace.com.au and in a few short sentences, tell us who you are, why you want to the do this workshop and what are the particular barriers that would normally prevent you in participating.

WHAT TO EXPECT

FOUNDATIONS: Luke will teach the foundation principles and techniques of rope bondage. You’ll learn the foundation knots and ties to get you started on your rope journey alongside a strong focus on touch, intimacy, communication, pleasure, safety and consent between you and your rope-partner - building sensation, trust and the dynamic connection between Rigger (Dom) and bunny (sub).

PARTICIPATING AND PARTNERS: With an emphasis on care and creating a safe space and comfortable and comfortable space for all participants, Luke invites people of all genders and gender-non-conforming, sexualities, ages (18+), cultural backgrounds and interests to participate. For this workshop, it’s ideal that you come with a rope partner to work with. Throughout the workshop, you’ll be encouraged to switch roles with each other (Rigger/bunny). Ticket prices are listed per individual.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR: Luke George (he/they) is a performance and installation artist and ropeworker. Based in Naarm (Melbourne). Luke’s work takes them across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America where they performs, installs, teaches and ties, with his most recent work STILL LIVES for NGV/RISING 2022, tying and suspending 5 Aussie rules footballers into the recreation of the 2011 AFL mark of the year. Intersecting with their art practice, Luke is a sex worker, kink educator and rope bondage practitioner. Luke is passionate about sex positivity and how exploring pleasure can unshackle us from shame. With a particular focus on queer people, Luke creates safe environments for consenting adults to explore touch, intimacy and BDSM, based on a foundation of mutual respect. Luke believes that exploring intimacy with ourselves and with each other, is a radical and necessary action in the world today.

IG/FB: @lukeandgeorge
https://www.lukegeorge.net/

ACCESS AND SAFETY:
- The event will take place inside in a private space
- The venue is wheelchair accessible
- Bathrooms are for all-genders and wheelchair accessible
- In conjunction with the course content, this workshop focuses on physical touch with your chosen workshop partner (under the motivation of respecting non-harassment)
- You will have the opportunity to state what interests you or not. You do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with.
- Sexual Contact is not expected (especially when unsolicited by others)

Luke George acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land in which this workshop will take place, the Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation, and pays his respects to Elders both past and present and, through them, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Acknowledging that pleasure, intimacy and connection has been happening here for 60,000+ years.