Artificial Awakening

Premiered May, 2021
More info

A 60-minute 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 60-minute 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.

Immersive performance with VR
60 minutes

Denmark
May 2021

Credits
Director & Writer: Jakob la Cour
Producer: Mads Damsbo
VR-artist: Cenk Güzeliş
Performer: Eja Due
Scenographer: Cæcilie Tørnsø
AI-specialist: Valdemar Danry
Composer: Fabian Lanzmaier
Visuals developer: Carl Emil Carlsen
Developer: Burkart Schwaighofer
Developer: Balder Brüsch
Machine learning engineer: Esbern Torgard Kaspersen
Head of production: Jacob Weitze Mylund
Researcher: Linnea Bjerregaard