Techno Freak Show is a performative exhibition featuring six installations of human-machine figures. The project is inspired by the historical freak shows of the Victorian era, but examines this phenomenon through the lens of our digital and robotic world. The colourful installations seem to have emerged from a digital jungle and combine technology with the extravagance and theatrical atmosphere of the circus.
Technology blended with theatre
Each character uses a technological prosthesis that conveys both strength and vulnerability. Thus, the Swiss Army Knife Man appears to be the ultimate multitasker, but behind his many functions lies emotional rigidity. The AI Siamese Twins
are paralysed by endless choices. The Queer Tech Ventriloquist wants to express his identity freely, but is controlled by Alexa, who determines his voice and gender. The impressive Drone Puppet Giant lives in constant fear of surveillance. The Obese Server symbolises data centres’ enormous appetite for energy and space. And a battle between robot vacuum cleaners
turns a household appliance into an over-the-top macho wrestling match. A ringmaster
guides the audience past these figures and links the scenes together. This creates a playful yet critical perspective on our relationship with technology, identity and power in the digital age.
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>>> This performance is part of highlight For RealPerforming Arts Festival focusing on new technology30CC Leuven, NTGent and Cultuurcentrum Brugge are proud to present For Real, a brand-new touring festival that brings together three cities and three theatres to explore new technologies in the performing arts.,