Symbiosis has been selected for the XR program of the South by South West festival in Austin, Texas (March 10-19). It is the culmination of a successful American tour for the Dutch production that combines virtual reality with the stimulation of all senses.
Symbiosis was created by the interdisciplinary artist collective Polymorph and premiered in 2021 during IDFA DocLab in Amsterdam, where it was awarded the Creative Technology Award. The American premiere followed in November last year PAM CUT// Center for an Untold Tomorrow in Portland. There the tickets for three months were sold out in no time.
Symbiosis is one of the world’s first multi-sensory XR productions that takes the concept of immersive storytelling to the next level. The six participants wear a haptic suit. In addition, robotics is used that manipulates posture, smell and taste. These tools paint a picture of the world after climate change has changed it beyond recognition. The post-human biotope that has emerged is populated by artificial intelligence, autonomously operating systems and biochemical life forms.
The participant Symbiosis is at the same time spectator and actor. After choosing a character and role in the overarching story, he or she forms relationships with the other characters. The climax of the session consists of a communal meal in which virtual and real snacks are consumed. The session lasts forty-five minutes in total.
