A Phrase That Fits

35th São Paulo Biennal—choreographies of the impossible
September 6–December 10, 2023
São Paulo, Brazil

A Phrase That Fits is a durational choreography with interventions and revisions of the lyrics to Tina Turner’s song “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Rawls’ performance is activated by Brazilian dancers who perform the lyrics in English based on translations into Portuguese, questions and interpretations. The performance is an homage to the artist’s father, Oree Rawls, and Tina Turner, who met in the early 70s and both died in 2023. The dynamic of the performance itself invites spectators to read the words formed, which transform into others throughout the activation.

Performance stills: Will Rawls, A Phrase That Fits, 2023. Photo: Levi Fanan / Fundação Bienal de São Paulo.