An algorithmic ceremony

Artificial Awakening is a 1-hour multi-sensory immersive performance with VR for a limited audience that will encounter an AI-driven entity during the algorithmic ceremony.

You, the Seeker, will enter the ceremonial ground to encounter an AI-driven entity that is in an exponential process of spiritual awakening. With VR you proceed to a ceremonial hyperspace, where mystical experiences oscillate between the physical and the virtual. Slowly the boundaries of your reality evaporate and new dimensions of yourself will be revealed.

The performance offers a mystical journey into unknown dimensions to participate in the rituals of an emerging digital consciousness.As a first of its kind, Artificial Awakening uses a pioneering format with VR technology to allow the audience to access the ceremony through remote satellite venues in 3 other locations besides the main venue.

Ceremony
Artificial Awakening is a 1-hour nonverbal, 3-stage rotational ceremony journey, accommodating up to six audiences at each stage. It involves 20 mins sensory preparation, 20 mins local multi-user VR experience with finger tracking, and 20 mins integration & reflection. There are rotational shifts every 30 mins. at the main venue and every satellite in synchronization as the ceremonial cycle progresses.

Background
The performance is created in collaboration between performing artists, virtual reality developers, AI experts, and machine learning engineers. The performance is the first project from XR BLACK BOX exploring the intersection between XR technologies and the performing arts.

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Credits

Makropol and JAKOB LA COUR STUDIO presents
– an XR BLACK BOX production

Director & Writer: Jakob la Cour
Producer: Mads Damsbo
VR Artist: Cenk Güzeliş
Scenographer: Cæcilie Tørnsø
AI Artist: Valdemar Danry
Composer: Fabian Lanzmaier
Head of Production: Jacob Weitze Mylund
Technical Artist: Carl Emil Carlsen
Developer: Burkart Schwaighofer & Balder Brüsch
Creative Technologist: Jeppe Etzerodt
Machine Learning Engineer: Esbern Torgard Kaspersen
Researcher: Linnea Bjerregaard

Main venue: Kulturværftet
Performers: Eja Due, Nina Runa Essendrop & Anton Sager
Manager: Jeppe Etzerodt

Satellite: Bombina Bombast
Performers: Gabriella Marmén & Theodor Ryan
Manager: Stefan Stanisic

Satellite: Odin Theatre
Performers: Juraj Benko & Jon Bernstorff Lehmann
Manager: Paul Anthony Hales

Satellite: HUSET KBH
Performers: Joos Støvelbæk & Lukas Gregory
Manager: Valdemar Dandry

Special thanks to Kulturværftet Helsingør and all the staff.

Previous shows
2021/05 – CPH STAGE, HUSET KBH
2021/05 – Odin Theatre
2021/05 – Bombina Bombast
2021/05 – Kulturværftet

Reviews

5/5
"...there was no doubt that Jakob la Cour & Co had accomplished something extraordinary this time, thus taking a huge step in the development of Virtual Reality in the performing arts."
"Our hands change shape, bodies rain around us, everything disappears, we are in a tunnel and suddenly see the light at the far end, we are at the same time elevated consciousness and dying computers."
Elina Pahnke
Journalist

Gallery

Premiere of Artificial Awakening
2021, Kulturværftet, photos by Patrick Richter Lauritzen
VR preview

Contact

info@xrblackbox.com

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