It might seem far away, but it’s closer than ever. We are now able to change the genetic code of body cells, bacteria, viruses and plants. With the CRISPR-cas9 technology we can adjust the properties of any organism to our liking. A revolutionary development that will have major consequences for humans, plants and animals.
The performance CRISPR zooms in on the children born after using these ‘genetic scissors’. How does the relationship to our body change when we view ourselves and nature as something we can readjust and regulate? In this visual and physical performance, we see these children growing up; exploring the limits of their bodies in search of who they are and how to be. An investigation of identity in a world that exerts more and more control over the technical side of our existence.
“The option to apply technology in this manner is here, we are just waiting for the moment for it to be used. Where do we draw the line of what we find acceptable? Who decides on that limit? To research this, I want to show in this performance what this technology might mean for a future generation. For those who don’t yet have a voice in this discussion, but for whom it will determine the rest of their lives.”
concept and direction - Davy Pieters musique- Jimi Zoet
The performances directed by Davy Pieters (1988) are explorations of the human of the future and the way it is influenced by technical innovation and visual culture. The performances are characterized by her dominantly visual, physical and cinematic style. Davy previously created The Unpleasant Surprise and How to Build a Universe at Theater Rotterdam; the former was selected for the Venice Biennale along with How did I die, and How to Build a Universe was awarded the VSCD Mime Prize in 2019. DO NOT LOOK BACK WITH REGRET premiered in June 2021, and was also nominated for the VSCD Mime Prize 2021.
