The Doll: A dark love story between man and machine

The Doll: A dark love story between man and machine

Next week, the reactor at Geblergasse 40, 1170 Vienna, will be the setting for a fascinating performance that explores the boundaries between man and machine. Under the title “THE DOLL”, the sirene opera theater presents a unique work of art that not only impresses with its innovative form, but also combines profound themes of tension and narrative.

The production, which will be performed from November 1, 2024, takes on the theme of artificial humans - not as harmless toys, but as a reflection of human desires and fears. The artificial human, depicted as a homunculus, explores Homo sapiens' quest for power, perfection and, most importantly, immortality.

Multimedia performance

“THE DOLL” is more than a simple play. In this wordless performance, in which the talented singer Anna Clare Hauf does without text, various forms of theater such as pantomime, dance and puppetry are fused together. Directed by Kristine Tornquist, the actors of the Serapions Ensemble contribute to this almost silent narrative in nine scenes. The interaction between the living and the inanimate is illuminated in a creative way.

The musical accompaniment comes from Christof Dienz and is brilliantly implemented by the PHACE ensemble. The performance promises to challenge the audience both emotionally and intellectually.

The accompanying SCIENCE series “THE SPIRIT IN THE OBJECT”, which takes place before the performances, receives particular attention. Here, various scientific perspectives on the topic of artificial humans are presented, and visitors can learn more about the background and theories underlying the performance. Further information is available on the sirene opera theater website.

The launch event will take place on November 1st at 6:00 p.m., followed by further performances on subsequent days until November 7th. Tickets are available via the Wien Modern webshop and provide access to an evening full of captivating art and profound reflection.

This performance builds a bridge between theater, music and science, making the event a unique cultural experience. The creative minds behind the project, from director Kristine Tornquist to machine designer Jakob Scheid to puppet maker Roman Spiess, have created a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

A distinctive evening in Vienna awaits all art lovers who want to embark on a journey into the complex world of artificial life. It remains exciting to see what ideas and discussions are triggered by this innovative production.