By: Ana Borralho & João Galante - PREMIÈRE / 13 and 14 OUT 2023 Teatro do Bairro (Lisbon, PT, 2023) M16 / 88' aprox.
In this new play, Ana Borralho & João Galante propose an unpredictable and engaging journey that explores human connection’s volatile and transient nature in the digital age. The proposition is to transform the stage into a chatroom, inviting the audience to participate actively in the artwork.
Visitors to this virtual room are immersed in a video screen that spans the horizon. They are then invited to choose a username and avatar to build a unique digital identity.
The challenge is for them to exchange visual or audio messages, reflecting on themes such as landscape, presence, self and other, loneliness, identity, vulnerability, and empathy as the line between virtual reality and the human experience becomes increasingly faint. In short, “Chatroom” is an experience that illuminates the complexity of human relationships in the contemporary world. A collective meditation that, instead of distancing, awakens the sense and need for connection and understanding among virtually connected human beings.
Concept and artistic direction: Ana Borralho & João Galante
Artistic and dramaturgical collaboration: Fernando J. Ribeiro
Artistic assistance: Daniel Matos
Sound Design: Coolgate aka João Galante
Collaborators: Ana Freitas, Inês Coias, Tiago Gandra
Technical director: Manuel Abrantes
Executive director and administration: Mónica Samões
Administration assistance: Teresa Serra Nunes
Production and dissemination director: Andrea Sozzi
Producers: Joana Duarte and Maria João Malheiro
Communication: this is ground control
Production: casaBranca
Co-production: BoCA – Biennial of Contemporary Arts
casaBranca is a structure funded by the Portuguese Republic – Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts
PRESENTATIONS:
13 and 14 OUT 2023
Teatro do Bairro – BoCa Biennial of Contemporary Arts