For one – for many – for all

For one – for many – for all is a hybrid presentation incarnated both as a musical figure theatre performance and exhibition, dealing with our inherent need to attribute human characteristics to inanimate objects.

‍I feel they have intentions, but know they do not have it.

Choosing to see things as if they have self-determination, opens up for giving things respect otherwise lacking in an «enlightened» way of interpreting nature. In light of the impact we have on the environment in today’s society, and the devastation it brings to the planet and ourselves, this «strategic anthropomorphism» – as Jane Bennet names it – may seem like a golden opportunity precisely as our anthropomorphising tendency suggests.

For one – for many – for all consists of motorised, moving objects that together with human performers convey their own story. A collaboration between humans and machines in order to satisfy our anthropomorphic instincts.

In unison they become a cyborg, conveying their own story, a collaboration between human and machine in order to satisfy our anthropomorphic instincts

For one – for many – for all is part of the finale of Thuestad’s PhD project at the University of Bergen, Faculty of Art, Design and Music; Emotional machines – Composing for unstable media. A co-production between the University of Bergen, BIT Teatergarasjen, M12 Kultur and Lydgalleriet.

The performance was presented by Bit Teatergarasjen at Cornerteateret 18 – 20.06.2021 and the exhibition was presented by Lydgalleriet 25.06 – 04.07.2021