The performative aspects of biomaterials: Biodegradable manioc (cassava) starch costumes for performances of regeneration

Abstract

This article discusses experiments with manioc (cassava) starch bioplastic, focusing on its material agency and cultural symbolism in Brazil. It describes empirical material experiments with cassava starch bioplastic recipes and the addition of other ingredients, aiming to control its qualities and formulate recipes that would be effective for a range of possible actions in performance. We tested recipes to achieve greater traction and durability, varying levels of flexibility, hardness or softness, water solubility or waterproofing, as well as the material’s degradation time (with the presence of microorganisms). The article also presents performance demonstrations created with these cassava starch bioplastic results worn as costumes, reflecting on the inherent cultural symbolism of the tuber in Brazil. The results of these tests and performative explorations were showcased in workshops at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design 2023 and University Festival of Scenic Arts of Goiás (FUGA, 2023) in Brazil.