We are bound by storytelling, from ancient Greek theater to the present-day realm of Instagram. We share, read, and connect through stories. In that sense, very little has changed over the centuries. However, what if these stories are gradually taking control of our existence? What if they merge with our identity and blur the line between reality and fiction? What aspects of ourselves have we fabricated? How many versions of ourselves exist? And now, with the emergence of AI and ChatGPT, they join the conversation to assist us in crafting even better narratives.

Goggles, comprising soprano Esther-Elisabeth Rispens and percussionist Wim Pelgrims, guide the audience through a maze of screens. It is a labyrinth of artificial intelligence that simultaneously serves as the “choir function” within this music theatrical storytelling, offering commentary, advice, and interruptions. Goggles, known for merging the analog and digital in their performances by bending the boundaries of their voices and percussion.

With a composition by Jonathan Bonny and a libretto by Ylona Supèr, this performance raises the question of our identity within this new robotic world we are venturing into. Are we gradually losing our humanity to the expansion of (our own) technology, as we have created an online sanctuary where nothing is as it appears? Are we transforming ourselves into generic algorithms? Or are we simply forging new connections that propel us forward?

#ForYou thus confronts us with our own selves. Goggles explores, in real time, the realm of screen time and online communication to determine where we stand. Are we lost or have we found our way?

Koi Collective (Emmy Wils, piano & Maarten Vergauwen saxophone) & Goggles (Wim Pelgrims, percussion & Esther-Elisabeth Rispens, vocals) embark on an experimental and alternative collaboration with three befriended composers: Michiel De Naegel, Siebe Thijs, Maya Verlaak.

Don’t expect a standard performance! New constructions between composer and performer are explored, challenging the traditional notion of the composer creating and delivering their work as a genius above the audience and performer. The performers are involved in the creative process, and together with the audience, they can influence the course of the performance.

Three screens, each with a unique projection, create conceptual spaces for the composers. Lighting and projection are used to blend or to make these spaces disappear, symbolizing each personality and approach.

But that’s not all! The composers themselves step onto the stage, where their physical presence makes the dynamics between composer, performer, and audience tangible. They can take control, direct, interrupt, support, irritate,… the performers; a live representation of musical interaction ranging from subtle observation to central action.

Two Supernova laureates and three young, Belgian top composers take you on a journey through a composition story, fearlessly embracing challenges!

A Room unfolds itself – based on the compositions by Thomas Smetryns – as an intimate, homely space. The inspiration for A Room comes from actions and events that are part of the daily routine at home and the interaction between two people within this environment. Most of the pieces are conceived as game compositions in which, through a set of instructions, it becomes clear how the musicians are allowed to interpret and explore the composition.

In addition to Esther and Wim’s trusted instruments, A Room utilizes sound objects from the domestic atmosphere: kitchen timers, crystal table bells, record players, cassette players, and some objects that Esther and Wim have a personal connection with.

In Wunderhorn, Goggles presents its unique interpretation of Des Knaben Wunderhorn. This title is widely known for Gustav Mahler’s song cycle, referring to an incredibly rich collection of hundreds of German folk texts compiled by poets Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano. Goethe wrote about this collection that it was suitable for every household and every mood, expressing hope that the texts would come to life again in their familiar melodies or, God willing, in new ones!

For this performance, the iconic work of Mahler is arranged and complemented in collaboration with composer Ward De Jonghe. Goggles seeks a completely new approach to the cycle, with the content and meaning of the text as the primary focus.

Mahler’s music is present throughout this new interpretation, sometimes literally, sometimes as a vague reference, but always as a guide. Goggles draws inspiration from the original orchestration but is also unafraid to deviate entirely from this starting point. The roles are freely interchanged—Who is the singer? Who is the percussionist? Both performers tell the story together in their own playful way.

Goggles immerses you in a vibrant evening performance where humor, emotion, and musical theatricality take center stage. In Wunderhorn, old and new stories walk hand in hand.