Back to Back Theatre

For the Australian company Back to Back, theatre serves the purpose to make things visible. The work of this award-­winning ensemble illus­trates the complex relationships between those with a so-­called intellectual disability and those who represent the norm. «How will we all feel when our capacities are judged to artificial intelligence standards?», asks Scott Price, performer and co­-author of «The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes». «Are we all found to be in some way deficient or disabled?»

In the company’s latest production, three performers stage a public meeting to discuss human rights, sexual politics, livestock farming and the increasing dominance of AI. Spectators get a taste of the latter right away, as the surtitles take on a life of their own and upset the established order. With infallible precision and a good dash of hu­mour, the performers – representing intelligence experts – challenge so­called «normality» in sustainable ways. Is this how a democratic assembly looks like? How can we, as a society, make the best possible decisions for ourselves? (af)