Tate Modern

9 Scripts from a Nation at War is a ten-part video installation by David Thorne, Katya Sander, Ashley Hunt, Sharon Hayes and Andrea Geyer that responds to the conditions and questions that have arisen during the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It examines the ways in which war determines and ‘scripts’ certain roles such as ‘citizen’, ‘veteran’, ‘detainee’ and ‘correspondent’, and the capacity of individuals to fulfil or resist these.

Drawing on the artists’ extensive research, the work presents material sourced from people involved in or responding to the war. The videos use strategies familiar from talking heads documentaries, news reportage, anthropological interviews and public lectures.

A central theme is the investigation of how written and spoken language affects identity in times of conflict. The language specific to certain institutions, professions and positions in society can extend or limit the ways in which an individual situates him or herself in relation to others. 9 Scripts from a Nation at War shows how vocabulary and terminology are fundamental in defining structures of power.

9 Scripts from a Nation at War is the last in a series of four related exhibitions in the Level 2 Gallery, Tate Modern’s dedicated space for contemporary and emerging international artists. The series explores ideas of citizenship through themes of economy, belief, the state and the individual. The Level 2 Gallery programme is conceived and led by Tate Modern’s Assistant Curators, in dialogue with Catherine Wood, Curator.

9 Scripts from a Nation at War is curated by Amy Dickson and Rachel Taylor

The Level 2 programme has been made possible with the generous support of Catherine Petitgas