Alaa Abu Asad, “In the ab­sence of the invasive: Can we fi­nally look at the Japanese knotweed as a green fu­ture companion?”, performative reading in three acts

This reading is part of an ongoing research project on unwanted species, mainly known as invasive species, which began in 2018 with The Dog Chased Its Tail to Bite It Off.  Structured in three acts, it explores the history of the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), current policies and national campaigns for its control and combat, and the broader social, economic, and political implications. It examines how natural and national histories intertwine and, most importantly, the language—both verbal and visual—used to discuss the plant and other invasive species. The reading also envisions alternative ways of coexisting with these species, raising questions about mass production ethics, exploitative economies, and a shared future.