theguardian.com
FC Bergman's "Works and Days": A Visceral Journey Through Human History
FC Bergman's wordless "Works and Days" at the Edinburgh Festival uses striking visuals and live music to depict humanity's journey from ancient agrarian practices through industrialization to an uncertain future dominated by AI, marked by scenes of both creation and destruction.
- How does the performance's use of music, lighting, and physical movements contribute to the overall narrative and its exploration of human history?
- The performance uses jarring juxtapositions of ritualistic acts, industrial mechanization, and AI to explore the cost of progress. The chaotic staging and unsettling imagery highlight the violent and often destructive aspects of human development, contrasting moments of revelry with scenes of evisceration and technological dominance.
- What are the long-term implications of the show's ambiguous conclusion, and what does it suggest about the future of humanity in relation to technology?
- The show's ambiguous ending, marked by AI's arrival, suggests a critical perspective on technological advancement's potential consequences. The unsettling blend of pagan rites, industrial processes, and AI raises questions about the direction of human progress and its potential for both creation and destruction. The use of unsettling imagery and symbolic acts underscores this ambiguous future.
- What are the key themes and overall message conveyed by FC Bergman's "Works and Days", and what immediate impact does its portrayal of technological advancement have on the audience?
- Works and Days" by FC Bergman, showing at the Edinburgh Festival, uses wordless physical theatre, live music, and striking visuals to depict humanity's journey from agrarian society to a technologically advanced, potentially dystopian future. The performance features symbolic acts of sacrifice, industrialization, and ultimately, AI's emergence.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the show's visual spectacle and artistic merits. While acknowledging some violent scenes, the overall tone celebrates the show's originality and impact. The potentially unsettling aspects of the performance are downplayed in favor of emphasizing its artistic achievements.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and enthusiastic, employing words like "wild," "stunning," "arresting," and "magnificent." While positive, this enthusiastic tone might be considered a form of bias, potentially overshadowing a more nuanced critique. The description of violent scenes, while present, is softened by the overall positive framing. Neutral alternatives might include more measured language, such as "striking," "visually impressive," and "technically accomplished.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses primarily on the performance aspects of the show, neglecting to consider the potential political or social commentary that might be embedded within the narrative. There is no discussion of the audience's reception or critical reviews from other sources. Further analysis of the show's thematic content could provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The performance depicts a critical view of human progress, showcasing the destructive aspects of industrialization and its impact on the environment. The evisceration of animals, the apocalyptic landscape, and the integration of human limbs with machinery symbolize unsustainable practices and the exploitation of nature. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims for responsible consumption and production patterns.