Disembodied - a multi-sensory project

This multidisciplinary project is an intimate journey that questions the fragile relationship we have with our biological bodies. The story is told from the perspective of a Cotard patient, someone suffering from a rare condition in which they believe they have no body or do not exist. Some doctors and scientists believe that this syndrome reveals the secrets of where our consciousness resides.

To convey this disembodied experience, Disembodied uses various forms of presentation such as cinema, virtual reality and a sensory deprivation tank. Knowledge about disembodiment is integrated through collaboration with neuroscientists, philosophers, medical professionals and choreographers. The project explores ways of representing this experience in various forms of presentation. Disembodied invites us to reflect on what ‘we’ are in an ever-changing world where we are confronted with viruses and rapid digitalisation. What significance do our bodies have for us?

Before the premiere of a film or installation, Van der Werf creates prototypes that she tests with participants. This involves constant interaction with the audience, making the project an ongoing research process. During testing of the prototype, various sensory components are examined to understand how they influence the participants' experience.