World of Wires is a combination of virtual simulations, computer research, philosophy, electronic engineering, and sci-fi, portraying a world out of the writings of Jean Baudrillard, in which reality and its simulacrum remain in constant fusion. In such circumstances, it’s no longer possible to tell fiction from reality.

The show, featuring computer technology able to create simulacra of the world, refers to the views of Nick Bostrom (head of Future Humanity Institute and professor at Oxford University), who, in his book, Are You Living in a Computer Simulation? considers the possibility that we function within a universal computer simulation. Word of Wires was produced at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Scheib is a lecturer. It was developed with participation from the local engineers and researchers in new technologies. Their common task was to create a show that would challenge the audience, questioning the usual ways of responding to reality.

Not unlike other artists who create alternative future scenarios – for example Rainer Werner Fassbinder (director of Welt am Draht), or Wachowski brothers (creators of Matrix) – Scheib is fascinated by the power of simulation. With his shows he tries to provoke the audience to ask themselves a question whether in our flawlessly programmed world everything really works in the binary system.

The show will have its European premiere at the Reminiscences.

DATE: 08.10 (Monday) 20:00, 09.10 (Tuesday) 18:00
PLACE: Łaźnia Nowa, osiedle Szkolne 25
Tickets are available at the cash desk Rotunda and on-line !

We have the pleasure to host the performance thanks to: the City ok Krakow, Adam Mickiewicz Institute’s  Poland-US Campus Arts Project, Voivodship of the Lesser Poland.

Jay Scheib: World of Wires (2012), USA

Based on Rainer Werner Fassbinder ‘s Welt am Draht (a TV film based on the novel Simulacron-3 by Daniel F. Galouye)

Direction and adaptation: Jay Scheib

Cast:  Winsome Brown, Mikéah Ernest Jennings, Rosalie Lowe, Jon Morris, Ayesha Ngaujah, Laine Rettmer, Tanya Selvaratnam

Stage design: Sara Brown

Costumes: Alba Clemente

Sound: Anouschka Trocker

Video: Josh Higgason

Camera: Jay Scheib

Production: Tanya Selvaratnam

Photo: Paula Court, Kasper Sejersen