Working at the intersection of digital and performing arts, Anan Fries’ research investigates notions of grief and guilt in inter-species relationships. The project they continued to develop during their super soft residency circles around the passenger pigeon, a species that was driven into extinction more than a hundred years ago and might be brought back to life soon by means of genetic engineering. Together with performers Brig Huezo, Kieron Jina, Karol Tyminski and developer Ambrus Ivanyos, Anan Fries rehearsed and developed a new project. Resurrect In Peace (R.I.P.) premiered at HAU3 Hebbel am Ufer on April 27 (with performances taking place through April 28-30).

“Resurrect In Peace (R.I.P.) is a funeral for a species of bird. The passenger pigeon was wiped out more than a hundred years ago, and now it receives a farewell with a high-tech ritual at HAU3. In the midst of the first species extinction caused by humans, R.I.P. celebrates the mortality of all existence and questions the political potential of a possible resurrection.”

Anan Fries is the co-founder and former artistic director of the media-art collective machina eX and member of the experimental feminist performance collective Henrike Iglesias. Anan Fries is currently researching hybrid aesthetics of physical and virtual worldbuilding and is interested in relations of “nature" and technology. In collaboration with sound artist Malu Peeters, who is also part of this new research, they made the VR-essay [POSTHUMAN WOMBS], which was presented at IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, DOK Leipzig and Geneva International Film Festival GIFF. The super soft residency is a format, in which soft power regularly welcomes artists, musicians or performers to take over our space for a period of time to pursue, rehearse, explore their current research, projects and ideas.