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Reality Bang

How did the human kind come to a point where the answer to global warming and imminent threat of extinction seems to be even more  cynical exploitation and a  longing for security that has us revere a (fictitious) glorious past?

With the big experimental music theatre production Turn Turtle Turn, commissioned by the Münchener Biennale (premiere June 5th 2024), Oblivia dived into a new cycle of works which center around the idea of the Anthropocene. In 2025, Reality Bang will look at the emotional landscapes behind today’s precarious situation of climate change and political backlash by focusing on emotions that seem to accompany both phenomena  – like the feeling of loss, nostalgia, and catastrophe euphoria. 

While guiding the audience through the multifaceted and often baffling performative journey from mourning to hope,  Oblivia will explore the possibilities of dissolving and re-interpreting the anthropocene worldview that is so decisively based on the human perspective only.  In Reality Bang, by means of Oblivia’s specific light and humorous  blend of music, voice, movement, stage action, costume and light design, the long ago past meets the critical present and reaches out into the unknown future. 

Oblivia working group during their residency at TD Berlin in June 2023: Annika Tudeer, Meri Ekola, Tua Helve, Timo Fredriksson, Juha Valkeapää and Yiran Zhao. Photo: Annika Tudeer.

CREDITS

Performers: Timo Fredriksson, Anna-Maija Terävä, Annika Tudeer, Juha Valkeapää, Nagisa Shibata (percussions), Yiran Zhao (electronic live music)
Concept, direction, dramaturgy, texts: Oblivia
Composer: Yiran Zhao
Light design, projections: Meri Ekola
Costume design: Tua Helve
Graphic design: Jenni Salminen (Röd)
Communications: Essi Brunberg & Nassrah-Alexia Denif
Production manager: Jenny Nordlund
Co-producer: ARGEkultur Salzburg
Supported by: Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Svenska kulturfonden, City of Helsinki, Konstsamfundet, Stiftelsen Tre Smeder
Residency: Musiktheatertage Wien

Premiere | June 2025