Project Overview
Customerzombification 1 + 2 is a two-part theatrical series that explores the intersection of digital culture, data surveillance, and human identity in our hyper-connected world. The production examines how modern technology and consumerism shape human behavior, creating what the creators term "customer zombies" - individuals whose lives are increasingly controlled by digital systems and data-driven algorithms.
Media
Concept & Approach
Customerzombification 1: "Mein fremder Wille" (My Foreign Will) presents a dystopian world where a universal creditworthiness system monitors, controls, and evaluates every personal behavior, classifying people into classes based on their trustworthiness and creditworthiness. The audience follows Alice, an influencer for digital enlightenment, as she and her followers (the audience) hack into the artificial intelligence of a central database to find her sister, who has been downgraded and disappeared due to a mishap.
Customerzombification 2: "DATA-Land" takes the concept further, preparing all audience members for upload to T.R.U.E. - a digital realm where, thanks to smart algorithms and hyper-powerful artificial intelligence, all inhabitants lead an ideal life in harmony with themselves. The audience experiences a virtual land where they can live out their wildest dreams and satisfy their personal needs without harming others or feeling remorse.
The innovative format combines live streaming with a theater app, allowing audiences to participate virtually from anywhere and influence the course and outcome of the performance through majority decisions. This makes the decision-making process itself part of the performance, creating a unique interactive theater experience that goes beyond conventional digital theater.
Project Details
- Year: 2020-2021
- Theatre: Theater Vorpommern, Freie Szene
- Genre: Theatre Production / Social Commentary
- Series: Two-part production
Credits
Customerzombification 1: "Mein fremder Wille"
- Schauspiel: Christiane Waak
- Regie + Stückentwicklung + Game Design: Rolf Kasteleiner
- Dramaturgie: Johanna Hasse
- Programmierung + Game Design: Markus Schubert
- Visual Content: Daniel Müller
- Bildmischung: Sophie Loebjinski
- Operator: Niklas Washausen
Customerzombification 2: "DATA-Land"
- Schauspiel: Charlotte Alten, Mandy Rudski, Deniz Orta, Oliver Möller
- Regie, Stückentwicklung, Game Design: Rolf Kasteleiner
- Dramaturgie: Aldus Kiss
- Programmierung: Markus Schubert
- Game Design Beratung: Eria Korte
- Kostüm & Bühne: Eleonora Pedretti
- Bildmischung und Streaming: Alison Reed, Robbin Klaus
- Regieassistenz, technische Inspizienz: Johanna Winkens
- Presse: Nora Gores
- Produktionsassistenz: Jana Klimmek
Production:
- Theatre: Theater Vorpommern, Freie Szene / BORGtheater
- Year: 2020-2021
- Format: Live-Stream with Theater App
- Funding: Fonds Darstellende Künste, Performing Arts Festival Berlin