MA(N|CHINE) — Zeno van den Broek

Year 2020

Type Audiovisual performance

Commissioned by Slagwerk Den Haag

Visuals & composition Zeno van den Broek

Performers from the digital domain enter into dialogue with those of flesh and blood. An overwhelming exploration of the area of tension between the algorithmic and the human in composition and performance.

Four percussionists, modified bass drums and various drum robots investigate the relationship between man and machine in the transdisciplinary work MA(N|CHINE) by Zeno van den Broek. In the characteristically pared-down yet intense minimalistic visual and musical style of this acclaimed maker, performers from the digital domain enter into dialogue with those of flesh and blood. An overwhelming exploration of the area of tension that exists between the algorithmic and the human in composition and performance.

The work unfolds across three movements, moving from an autonomous machine system, through interaction and mimicry, toward synchronisation and finally freedom.

Visuals and composition by Zeno van den Broek. Commissioned and performed by Slagwerk Den Haag. Percussion: João Borralho, Joey Marijs, Dimitris Pliatsikas, Frank Wienk.

Movement I

SYSTEM

Electronics as an independent system, performing autonomously until the human performers trigger a shutdown.

Movement II

MIMICRY

Humans interact and manipulate the system, mimicking its rhythms and synchronising gradually.

Movement III

SYNC

Begins with total synchronisation, then evolves toward total freedom, with the robots in a supporting role.