David Bird’s Hypochondriac resembles a sort of “robot autopsy” being acted out by two performers. One performer takes on the role of a mortician/scientist/end user, and the other assumes the role of the corpse/automaton/product. As the piece unfolds, the “patient” on the table evolves from an inanimate object to a subservient machine to a sentient and perhaps omnipotent being, placing the scientist eventually within their complete control.
This performance is part of the annual Currents New Media Festival. Attendance to this performance is included with the festival pass. See the full festival lineup here.