MA(N|CHINE), a new project by Zeno van den Broek, premiered on 20 November as part of the PAARD x Slagwerk Den Haag series.

In the new and monumental audiovisual work, “four percussionists, modified bass drums and various drum robots investigate the relationship between man and machine”. These collaborative explorations will fill and interact with the Grand Hall space at PAARD; musicians, hardware, software, visitors and cavernous spaces will become simultaneous agents in the creation of a performance which is both synchronous and dissonant.

“In the characteristically pared-down yet intense minimalistic visual and musical style of this acclaimed maker, performers from the digital domain enter into dialogue with those of flesh and blood. An overwhelming exploration of the area of tension that exists between the algorithmic and the human in composition and performance.”

The event was the first in a series of specially commissioned artwork displays designed for display in PAARD’s Grand Hall as part of a partnership created by PAARD and Slagwerk Den Haag. The partnership brings together two prominent arts organisations to amplify the arts at a challenging time. The series will present “concerts by the top musicians of the innovative Slagwerk Den Haag, custom made for PAARD ‘s Grote Zaal” (PAARD) and will carefully follow social distancing guidelines in order to create accessible and spellbinding artistic experiences.

MA(N|CHINE) is supported by the Performing Arts Fund NL.