FUNERAL ECSTASY – The Simulation –
Imagine: a virtual version of you still attends family gatherings after your death. Or you tweak your DNA to live healthily to 150 years old. Does that sound appealing? And what would you be willing to sacrifice for it? What was once science fiction is getting closer: from digital avatars that preserve your memories to therapies that could extend your lifespan. Will we soon be able to call our mothers forever, even after they’re gone?
In part 1 of FUNERAL ECSTASY: The Paradise, the focus was on accepting the finiteness of life. Now, in part 2 – The Simulation – HipSick creates a disruptive exhibition to explore immortality.
The Simulation – a temporary simulation of the eternal, an exhibition that lives, breathes, and raises questions. You enter a space where time has no end, and you smell the scent of something that shouldn’t exist. A heavy, artificial breath echoes, because as long as it breathes, it exists. Digital screens flicker, and an avatar appears, transforming the space into pulsating energy.
Through this performance, HipSick explores the extremes: the hope, the fear, and the reality of a future where death may no longer exist. What does it feel like to live forever, and what are the inevitable downsides of eternal existence?
PODCAST
AI Generated show on FUNERAL ECSTASY – The Simulation
Credits
Concept Nadîja Roza Broekhart, Sylvia Weening
(Digital) Performer Nadîja Roza Broekhart
Guides Stefan Julizar, Sylvia Weening
Scenography & Light Design Jeroen Molenaar
Composition & Sound Design Stefan ZMK
Technical Concept & Exhibition Design Aniek de Rooij
Final Structure Nadîja Roza Broekhart, Renee Trijselaar, Sylvia Weening
Co production Innovation:Lab
Internship Bo de Kaper, Jip Rijghard
Costume Design POViS
Movement Coach Leo Spreksel
Photography & Teaser Rachel Schraven x HipSick
Poster Design Niels Vrijdag
Communication Aniek de Rooij
Creative technologist Nikzad Arabshahi, Joyce den Hartog & Daan Gijzen
Business Lead Daniek Cappetijn
Special thanks to Jette Schneider, Demi van Kesteren, Linda Ammerlaan & all co-creators
The Simulation is made possible by
Gemeente Rotterdam | Cultuurloket DigitALL | Fonds Podiumkunsten | Fonds 21 | Het Cultuurfonds | Stichting Bevordering van Volkskracht | Stichting Elise Mathilde Fonds
Partners
Time Window | Innovation:lab | MBO Theaterschool | Studium Generale Delft | WDKA Leisure
