Zangezi

“Zangezi” is a new production of a visionary, futuristic play by Velimir Khlebnikov, which artistically reexamines the themes of language, technology and planetary thinking. Written in 1922, the play is remarkable for its experimental treatment of language and sound. At its core, the piece explores Khlebnikov’s concept of a “star language” and his utopian vision of a universal language that connects people around the world. 

Headed by artistic director Chris Salter and in cooperation with Immersive Arts Space (Zurich), the project aims to create an interdisciplinary artwork involving artists, musicians, researchers and technologies from multiple countries. Each scene will be developed by a different artistic team, which will naturally result in a wide range of interpretations and artistic forms of expression. A large-format LED screen will serve as the stage, creating an immersive world through the innovative application of digital technologies. Using real-time motion capture and AI technology, Zangezi’s universe of talking animals, trees and deities will come to life. The performers and audience shall become a part of this futuristic landscape where the boundaries between humans and machines, reality and fiction are blurred, and hybrid creatures inhabit a new reality. The world premiere will take place at the Kunstfest Weimar in 2025, followed by performances at the Muffathalle in Munich and an international tour.

Artistic director: Chris Salter
Curators: Remco Schuurbiers, Dietmar Lupfer
Artists: Immersive Arts Space, Judith Rosmair, Pascal Lund-Jensen, Raqs Media Collective, Kyoka, Adebajo Oluwafemi, Stefanie Egedy, Pierre-Luc Senecal / Growlers Choir, Fernando Velazquez and others

Performance / dramatic arts / media art: Kunstfest Weimar KET Halle, Weimar: 28 – 30 Aug. 2025
Performance / dramatic arts / media art: Muffathalle, Munich: 5 – 7 Sep. 2025