CRISPR

Davy Pieters/Theater Rotterdam

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.

Four – part series
CRISPR is the first piece in a four-part series about growing up in a future world Davy Pieters is making at Theater Rotterdam. The central theme is the life cycle, through which we follow human beings during birth, youth, adulthood and death.

CRISPR is a part of ACT: Art, Climate, Transition, a European cooperation project on ecology, climate change and social transition. In an era of climate breakdown, pandemics, mass extinction and growing inequalities, we join our forces in a project on hope: connecting broad perspectives with specific, localised possibilities, ones that invite or demand that we ACT.

Concept, direction, scenography: Davy Pieters
Performance: Hali Neto, Ruth Borg, Qiqi van Boheemen e.a.
Music: Jimi Zoet
lighting design: Varja Klosse
costumes: Erik Bosman, Karin van der Leeuw, Kostuumatelier Theater Rotterdam
dramaturgy: Elowise vandenbroecke
assistant-director: Diane Mahín
production: Emma Boots
technical: John Thijssen, Hein van Leeuwen, Peter Leeuwenburgh
childcare worker: Floor Hengeveld
advice: Anoek Nuyens
marketing & publicity: Team marketing & communicaton Theater Rotterdam
education: Anne Sollie
photography: Sjoerd Derine