The Rapist in Your Way

Background

The Rapist in Your Way (also known as "A rapist on your way" or "The rapist is you") is a participatory protest performance created by the feminist collective LASTESIS from Valparaíso, Chile. The performance aims to manifest against women's rights violations and dissidences of the sex/gender system in the context of protests in Chile.

History

The first production took place on November 20, 2019, in various locations in Valparaíso, including Aníbal Pinto Square, Victoria Square, and in front of the Second Carabineros Commissariat. A second interpretation was performed by approximately 2,000 Chilean women in Santiago on November 25, 2019, as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Description

The performance is a collective protest action where women of all ages participate with their eyes tied, symbolizing the idea that "the rapist is always on your way." The performance was created by LASTESIS members Lea Caceres, Paula Cometa, Sybila Sotomayor, and Daphne Valdez.

Global Impact

The video recording of the second performance, which was shared on social media, had a significant international impact. Feminist movements in dozens of countries adopted and translated the performance to accompany their protests and demand action from authorities to end the epidemic of femicide and sexual violence, among other gender-based violence issues.

Adaptations and Legacy

The Rapist in Your Way has become a symbol of resistance against women's rights violations worldwide. The performance has been adapted and performed by feminist movements in numerous countries, serving as a powerful statement against sexism and misogyny.