Embark on a Theatrical Odyssey with URLAND’s “Formerly Known As”
In the vanguard of experimental theater, URLAND’s latest revelation, “Formerly Known As,” questions the very essence of modern theater. This production isn’t just a show; it’s a bold statement where the unstoppable force of artificial intelligence meets the immutable heart of drama.
URLAND, the trailblazers of technological theater, embraces the full spectrum of AI, transforming not just the narrative but the very soul of the stage. The script, stage design, soundscape – every traditional pillar of theater – is reimagined through the lens of a digital consciousness.
Imagine a performance where the boundary between man-made and machine-generated is not just blurred, but entirely obliterated. “Formerly Known As” is that phenomenon, a cerebral concoction of technological prowess and artistic audacity.
In our recent explorations, we uncovered that even the underlying code of AI like ChatGPT adheres to the archetypal ‘hero’s journey,’ always striving towards a harmonious resolution. Our endeavor now is to hone this AI, to have it embrace URLAND’s meta-universe, to craft its own ethics, and to philosophize on autonomy.
This isn’t just a show; it’s a visionary’s playground. It’s a meta-commentary wrapped in an enigma, layered with the vibrant aesthetic of URLAND’s signature style. “Formerly Known As” will leave audiences and critics alike questioning where the algorithm ends and the art begins.
We invite you to be at the forefront of this paradigm shift. Program “Formerly Known As” into your theater’s schedule and be the stage that premieres the future of performance art. URLAND isn’t just pushing boundaries – we’re redrawing them.
Be a part of this trailblazing journey. Program URLAND. Program the future.
Concept and Performance: Thomas Dudkiewicz, Marijn Alexander de Jong and Jimi Zoet
Sound Design: Tomas Loos and Jimi Zoet
Scenography: Marijn Alexander de Jong and Hendrik Walther
Dramaturgy: Florian Hellwig
Dramaturgy Intern: Hana Pospíšilová
Lighting Design: Hendrik Walther
Technical Support: Denzo Theatertechniek (André Goos) and Marcel Janssen
Production Managers: Andrea van Bussel and Elise de Fooij
Graphic Design: Ruben Verkuylen
Public Relations/Marketing: Pien Visser
Business Management: Martha van Meegen
Business Assistant: Mara Liza de Bakker
Co-produced by URLAND and Theater Rotterdam
ABOUT URLAND
URLAND is a Rotterdam-based performance collective. URLAND creates visual, musical, and physical performances that confront the audience with universal themes and questions. URLAND works autonomously. URLAND has no hierarchy; there is no director. URLAND designs the visuals. URLAND creates the sound. URLAND writes the text. URLAND performs on stage. URLAND works autonomously. URLAND wants Gesamtkunst. URLAND has no method. URLAND practices the non-I. URLAND appropriates, quotes and samples. URLAND strives for the Universal. URLAND believes in live art in digital times.
The performance collective is a trio made up of Thomas Dudkiewicz specializing in text, Jimi Zoet handling audio and Marijn Alexander de Jong, focusing on visual aspects. The collective takes on various roles on stage, whether as performers, technicians or directors. The collaboration began during their studies at the Toneelacademie Maastricht and they’ve been working together for over 14 years.
URLAND is partnered with Theater Rotterdam for a multi-annual collaboration till the beginning of 2025.
URLAND is made possible by Gemeente Rotterdam and The Performing Arts Fund NL.
