“These robots can’t feel, but we feel for them …”
Kate Darling, The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals about Our Future with Robots (Henry Colt & Co 2021)

The Companion is a private encounter between one audience member and a robotic dog. In the performance, the robot entices the human participant into different negotiations, interactions, and play. The encounter harnesses our innate curiosity and empathy towards all moving beings. What kind of agency are we willing to embrace? Are we ready to surrender to and trust a non-human companion?

Practical info

The performance is for one person at a time. Children aged 5–12 can experience an adapted version of the performance together with an accompanying adult. The performance language is English. Maximum duration is 20 min.

About WAUHAUS

WAUHAUS is a Helsinki-based multidisciplinary arts collective that was founded in 2016. The collective’s works are situated between different art genres and occur at various venues, such as small black box theatres, urban sites, large stadiums, and the main stages of established theatre houses. The members of WAUHAUS are scenographer Laura Haapakangas, director Juni Klein, scenographer Samuli Laine, sound designer Jussi Matikainen, choreographer Jarkko Partanen, sound designer Heidi Soidinsalo, and producer Julia Hovi.

Credits

Artists: Jarkko Partanen, Jussi Matikainen, and Laura Haapakangas from WAUHAUS Visual Design of the robot: Kari Kankaanpää
Lighting Design: Mia Jalerva
Software Development: Aki Panuma (Probot)
Producer: Julia Hovi
Production: WAUHAUS (FI), Black Box (NO), Kiasma Theatre (FI), in collaboration with Probot (FI). Support: Nordic Culture Point, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki

The Campanion is presented by Dansens Hus. Tickets are bought and sold via them. Book here

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