An interactive pop up performance that invites the audience to question and explore what it means to be human
The immersive theatrical experience draws the audience into a surreal and absurd world that sparks self-reflection, wonder and curiosity surrounding the human species.
THE WORLD
Alien Anthropologists have landed on a foreign planet and are trying to figure out what species inhabits the place. By using elaborate anthropological methodologies such as participatory observation, in depth interviews and collection of objects, the aliens gather information and open a space of collective reflection on what it means to be human.
The Aliens come from a planet ruled by THE GREAT LOBSTER.
Their mission is to gather data for THE MINISTRY to have a better understanding of the various types of life in the universe.
They do not carry names, feel emotions or understand linear time and logic. Coming from a completely different context outside of human logic they carry a childlike curiosity and wonder towards the species and beings they encounter. They are there to learn and be amazed.
INTERACTIONS
Through asking very simple, obvious seeming questions such as: What are emotions? Why do you have a name?, the Aliens invite the audience into a deep conversation and reflection about the basic principles of being human.
After establishing first contact, the Aliens then inquire about the objects owned and carried by the humans as well as common patterns of interaction.
After studying and learning patterns such as greeting or flirting, the Aliens execute them under rigorous human supervision.
In return, the Aliens perform their sacred lobster ritual which they then generously share and perform as a group with the humans.
After the interaction, the humans receive a stamp that confirms their authenticity.
HARD FACTS
The duration of the performance lasts 1.5 hours and requires 6-8 performers. It can happen as a walking act or site specific. Costumes and props are provided by the group.
The performance was first developed by Katharina von Sohlern and shown at the Parallel Portal Show at Holzmarkt in December 2022.
It was then further developed together with Lucy Fourgs.
The collective of Alien Anthropologists consists of a range of performers with different backgrounds in music, physical theatre and clown.
ABOUT US
Katharina von Sohlern is a traveling anthropologist, strategic designer and performer. She focuses on creating narrative worlds and analogue immersive experiences that connect performance, theatre, and music.
After her MA in Social Anthropology, she completed an intensive one year course in physical theater and clown at Arthaus, where she met Lucy Fourgs. She is part of the performance collective Heart Chor. She has designed and performed immersive experiences and shows at Fusion Festival, Garbicz Festival, Bucht der Träumer and Wilde Möhre and collaborates on a regular basis with Pinky Promise.
Lucy Fourgs is a physical theatre maker and performer. After her BA in Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performing she graduated from Arthaus with a Master in Physical Theatre Devising. She is currently part of Studio Kokyu at The Grotowski Institute. Her practice includes singing, aikido, contemporary dance and object theatre.
She has devised and performed in pieces brought to the Edinburgh Fringe festival in the UK, the Malta festival in Poland and the festival d’Avignon in France.
