asses.masses
TRAILER
The age of the donkeys is over. They were once valued for their labour, but they have long since been replaced by machines. They are left to fend for themselves on the pastures and sooner or later end up in the slaughterhouse. High time for a revolution! Ass power!
«asses.masses» is a video game about work, technophobia and sharing the burden of revolution. It was developed to be played live in the theatre. Audience members take turns at the controller to lead the herd through a post-industrial society in the fight against redundancy.
If you miss individual sections of the show, you miss important parts of the narrative. For this playful Sunday afternoon, come to the start of the performance, as is customary at the theatre. Food and drinks will be available during the four intermissions. The food is included in the ticket price.
Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim are conceptual artists exploring urgent questions around the social value of art, digital labour, and the political potential of games. Mixing their backgrounds in performance, philosophy, psychology, and digital media, their collaborations have manifested in video games, participatory installations, digital archives, and card games. Blenkarn and Lim are the co-founders of the Canadian national video archive of performance (videocan) and the co-creators behind a performing arts economy trading card game (culturecapital), a role playing game about cultural design (FARCE), and an escape room intervention in a German museum (FUNFUG FORUM).
Easy Read
This is a video game. It is shown on a large screen. One person can play at a time. The others watch and cheer on. It's about a herd of donkeys. They have lost their jobs because machines have been invented. So they start to rebel.
For people with mobility disabilities
Schlachthaus Theater is accessible barrier-free and has a barrier-free toilet. In the hall of the Schlachthaus Theater, there are ground-level wheelchair spaces.
Relaxed Performance
This is a Relaxed Performance.
Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.
Content notes
This performance is a participatory experience - you can decide throughout the experience if you would like to use the controller and play, or if you would like to watch others play the game. You can change your mind at any time.
The production deals with intense and mature themes, including systemic oppression, violence and animal harm explored through an interactive, multi-episode game format.
This production features police brutality, simulated donkey sex, simulated human sex, suicide and references to drug use.
You can read further access information and detailed content notes for each episode in asses.masses AccessGuide here.
Sensory Triggers
Flashing lights
Loud noises and music
Large screen projection
Moments of game play that simulate the sensation of speed and movement in a 3D environment
Sounds of screaming
Special Check-In
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you'd like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs. Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch
Access Friend
At the Schlachthaus Theater, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people are identified and wear purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.
Social Story
Social stories are used as a tool to prepare people for a public event, such as a theater performance. Our social stories provide a detailed description of what to expect at the venue and the customs that apply there. You can find the (German) PDF of the «asses.masses» social story here.
- Co-Direction, Text, Programming, Pixel Art, 2D Animation
- Patrick Blenkarn
- Co-Direction, Text, Sound Design, Video, Shaders, 3D Visual Effects
- Milton Lim
- Dramaturgy, Text, Touring Producer
- Laurel Green
- Original Music, Sound Design
- David Mesiha
- Pixel Art, 2D Animation
- Clarissa Picolo, William Roth
- 3D Environments
- Ariadne Sage
- Additional Programming
- Samuel Reinhart
Created with support from Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, The Theatre Centre, VIVO Media Arts, and the Embassy of Canada to Argentina and Paraguay.
Developed with the funding support of Creative BC, the British Columbia Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Produced in association with the National Arts Centre of Canada’s National Creation Fund.