Group performance created and directed by Melanie Manos, July 2019, at Crosstown Arts, Memphis, TN, in a newly restored and massive former Sears Department Store building. Research on the history of women's work at this Sears and other department stores reveals substantial employment opportunities offered in clerical and retail, but little to no opportunity for advancement in male dominated sectors of the business. For this performance, women "workers" are connected and restrained by nylons that stretch between the heavy columns and each other's heads. They experience a push/pull due to the restricting nature of the nylon tethers. Each performer (local volunteers) was asked to choose either clerical or retail/customer service and play out two scenarios, repeatedly. In my clerical role, I type on a vintage electric typewriter sourced from the building's archives, and call out "five o' clock" to conclude the work day.
