Humans are not autonomous individuals, but an ecosystem. The body is a “holobiont” that hosts trillions of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa. Together, they profoundly affect not only our physical state, but also our emotions and the decisions we believe we make so rationally.
The highly sensory experiences of Microbiome Restaurant bring us closer to the invisible world within our own bodies. Haute Cuisine for the Rectum lets you experience how your gut flora affects your emotions by feeding it during a surreal gastronomic experience for three, in which you are served an oral and rectal menu tailored to specific emotional desires. Outside performing hours the experience space offers an art exhibition and audio installation.
The performance experience is speculative, but scientifically validated. It gives a visceral sense of just how much established (Western, liberal, colonial) ideas about human autonomy and reason conflict with our biological reality. Experience yourself as the holobiont you are.
Initial concept developed by POLYMORF in collaboration with Hazal Ertürkan. This project has been supported through funding from the Creative Industries Fund NL, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and CIIIC
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