The Oerol hit of 2024 comes to the theatre! In this minimal opera, two human-like robots (played by Annelinde Bruijs and Yannick Noomen) explore, with humor and philosophy, what it means to be human today. Human life is sung — albeit by two robots!
Directed by Anne Maike Mertens, Artificial By Nature tackles profound existential questions: What does it mean to be human? Why do we act the way we do? What drives us each day? The performers embody curious robots reflecting on these questions, inspired by the philosopher Helmuth Plessner, who argued that humans are “artificial by nature.” Unlike animals at home in nature, humans shape their own existence. With tools such as language, technology, and instruments, humanity stumbles forward — endlessly becoming, striving to be itself.
Artificial By Nature is a musical tribute to humanity: awkward, searching, but always evolving.
In the Press
“An impressive ode to humanity.” ★★★★ NRC
“Unforgettable images of ploughing robots.” — de Volkskrant
“Two robots constantly drawing and erasing patterns in the soil while searching for hope in humanity’s aimless drives. Hypnotic and unsettling, monotonous yet fascinating, unnecessary and essential.” — Theaterkrant
