Foxconn Frequency (no.3) – for three visibly Chinese performers is a work of “algorithmic theatre” that incorporates real-time game mechanics, piano pedagogy, 3D-printing, and the poetry of former Foxconn worker Xu Lizhi (许立志).

Three performers work with and against each other as they move through a series of testings and mini-games sourced from piano training. They succeed and fail in realtime, forced to correct their mistakes before they can continue. In each performance, 3D-printers output an object documenting the performer’s competency over time.

There are many reasons for the restriction of “three visibly Chinese performers.” In music composition, instruments are often specified (e.g for solo violin), but almost never the body itself. By making this distinction, it is Hong Kong Exile’s intention to draw focus to the performer’s identity, to engage the eyes as well as the ears, and to bring attention to the “extra-musical,” shifting the mode of audience perception to multiple modalities.

Fully automated and generative, Foxconn Frequency (no.3) is different every performance, ranging from 50 minutes to 80 minutes: an experiment in digital game-mechanics as a way of meaning making in the performing arts.

This show is eligible for Tote Board Arts Grant subsidy.

This production is commissioned by PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. It is made possible with the generous support of the Canadian High Commission.

Profile

Hong Kong Exile

Vancouver-based Hong Kong Exile is an interdisciplinary arts company made up of three contemporary artists: Natalie Tin Yin Gan, Milton Lim, and Remy Siu. The three have been consistently creating and producing work since 2011.

Hong Kong Exile is proud to have developed a reputation as an engaged, rigorous, and prolific arts company since the time of its inception. Since 2011, they have created thirteen original works presented in dance, theatre, film/media and new music festivals in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Seattle, and more.

Projects over the last several years include an ambitious month-long gallery exhibition, presentations at CanAsian International Dance Festival, Seattle International Dance Festival, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Gateway Pacific Theatre Festival, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, as well as a handful of ongoing collaborative initiatives and special presentations. Current Hong Kong Exile projects reflect the company’s commitment to exploring multi-media innovation and integration with interdisciplinary live performance.