World Premiere of THE ETERNAL ZOO: Re-exploring Human-Animal Relationships and Rethinking Biodiversity and Balance

On November 2nd, 2024, the innovative art-theater performance "The Eternal Zoo," conceptualized and directed by Taiwanese media artist Yen-Tzu Chang, will premiere at 14:00 (Taiwan time), with doors opening at 13:30. A post-performance talk with Q&A will offer an opportunity to discuss the production.

The Eternal Zoo profoundly explores humanity's complex relationship with other species and recognizes biodiversity, inviting a transformation in perspective. The audience is encouraged to see the world through the animals' eyes, thus challenging any anthropocentric view of nature. In an era of rapid ecological change, this work scrutinizes humans' role in both the extinction and preservation of species. It raises urgent questions about our responsibilities as stewards of the planet. This multi-disciplinary performance blends cutting-edge digital technology, percussion, and synthesizer music by Hai-Ting Liao, AI-driven theater visuals by Kuo-Han Lee, and expressive dance choreography by Szu-Wei Liao. Collaborating with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the piece creates a unique immersive experience.

At its heart, "The Eternal Zoo" invites audiences to a bold aesthetic experience promoting philosophical reflection on the core theme of coexistence between humanity and other life on Earth. Through four chapters-Rebirth, Celebration, Collapsing World, and The Mythical Beast-the performance tells the stories of iconic animals such as the reintroduced Formosan sika deer, the legendary Asian elephant Lin Wang, the delicate butterfly Boloria pales ssp. yangi, and the now-extinct Formosan clouded leopard. Each chapter delves into the tensions between human interventions, artificial captivity, or efforts to protect endangered species.

Additionally, the piece opens spaces for reflection on the evolving purposes of zoos, which have transitioned from the spectacle of menageries to centers of education and conservation. As climate change accelerates, this work questions whether traditional zoos can adapt fast enough to meet the challenges of preserving biodiversity. It imagines new possibilities for post-captive environments where humans and animals might coexist harmoniously, interacting freely within natural ecosystems. Audiences are invited to experience a shift in perspective through augmented reality (AR), by seeing how animals observe them.

The Eternal Zoo is a two-year project, with the first phase focusing on research, development, and production. This 30-minute premiere marks a key milestone. In 2025, the work will be expanded into a full 50-minute performance for European festivals, institutions, and theaters. As the project tours internationally, the performance will be adapted to meet the specific needs of each venue, further refining its message for diverse global audiences.

Director Yen Tzu Chang says, "My technological art is designed to help the audience confront the difference between human imaginations of animals and real animals, hence encouraging reflection on better ways to interact with (real) animals. I use stories of iconic animals from Taiwan as a starting point to initiate dialogue and discussion with an international audience."

PDF Full Press Release: http://tiny.cc/0tzrzz
Book tickets: http://tiny.cc/olzrzz
Teaser Trailer Video: http://tiny.cc/2lzrzz
Additional Stills: http://tiny.cc/ukzrzz
Poster: http://tiny.cc/ijzrzz

Editor's notes:
For further press information, assets, and interview requests,
or to bring The ETERNAL ZOO to your venue, please get in touch with Bianka Hofmann, +49 1523 17 859 17, biankahofmannconsulting@gmail.com,
Crüsemannallee 44, 28213 Bremen, Germany

Yeles Studio
Yeles Studio is the art studio of artist Yen-Tzu Chang and a new media art lab dedicated to exploring and experimenting with innovative artistic creations.
https://changyentzu.com

Bianka Hofmann Consulting
Bianka Hofmann Consulting specializes in science, art, and technology communication, crafting innovative formats and original works, and providing strategic consulting for scientists, artists, and creators.
https://www.biankahofmann.net/

This release was published on openPR.