SZENE
Salzburg

Is the world just a simulation run by a supercomputer? Are we all merely characters in a gigantic computer game? These are questions that form the basis of the so-called simulation hypothesis. A thought experiment that is also reflected in a phenomenon known as NPCing: NPCs—“non-player characters”—are characters in video games that cannot be played but serve as background elements. They perform the same actions, movements, and dialogues in predefined loops. Minor characters, with whom more and more people have identified in recent years, imitating their language and movements on platforms like TikTok—either as a joke or to express a sense of hopelessness.

The Viennese urban dance company Hungry Sharks takes this trend as a starting point and gives these background characters, NPCs, and extras their own voice. Through "traveling movement patterns," loops of movement are developed that spread through repetition in space, creating solos and group choreographies that culminate in a triumphant parade of the seemingly insignificant.

Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Presented by tanz_house festival 24.

Choreography, Concept, Artistic Direction: Valentin Alfery
Production & Artistic Advice: Dušana Baltić
Performers: Ailsa Li, Jana Dünner, Coline Hemery, Caterina Politi, Flóra Virag, Francesca de Girolamo
Dramaturgy: Marco Payer
Outside Eye: Claire Lefèvre
Composition: Manuel Riegler
Live-Sound: Fabian Lanzmaier
Light design: Sveta Schwin
Costumes: Caterina Politi
Production Assistance: Max Rosenberger
Creative Movement Research: Michael Sellner, Alexander Tesch, Ailsa Li, Chloé Wanner, Zoé de
Reynier, Valentin Alfery, Caterina Politi, Jana Dünner, Flóra Virag, Coline Hemery, Špela Remec, Chris Fargeot
Photography: Kilian Kovacs

Funded by the City of Vienna, BMKÖS, City & State of Salzburg, State of Carinthia, Otto Mauer Fonds
Supported by a residency from Festspielhaus St. Pölten and Tanzhaus Zürich Residency Center Tanz+
Co-produced by SZENE Salzburg and Brut Wien.

• www.hungrysharks.at