In a dark take on technology and control, Louis-Philippe Demers and Bill Vorn create an experience of hell, punishment, and demons via their “Inferno” participatory robotic performance. Addressing many persistent anxieties around the relationships between humans and technologies, and the shifting boundaries between them, “Inferno” envisions infinite punishment as endless automation and subordination to the machine, as participants are drawn to the spectacles and thrills of submission. Mirroring our contemporary entanglements and fascinations with various technologies and power imbalances, the participatory installation will run over three days, allowing select members of the public to participate in surrendering agency to a cyborgian robotic entity.

Ticket or passholders that are interested in participating in the performance by wearing one of the robotic exoskeletons are invited to → email us. Please indicate the date and time of the performance you will attend in your email. First come first served. Please also note that you will be asked to arrive early to prepare for the concert with a briefing, which includes safety instructions and signing a waiver. Participants will be asked to wear an exoskeleton weighing 20 kg for the approximately 1 hour-long performance. Both smoke and stroboscopic lights will be used during the concert.

Caution: This show uses stroboscopic lights

"Inferno" is presented as part of the culture programme related to Canada’s Guest of Honour presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2020. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Canada. With additional support from the Embassy of Canada and the Québec Government Office in Berlin.