Heiner Goebbels' Stifters Dinge: A Machine-Only Performance at Théâtre de Gennevilliers

From January 9 to 17, 2009, "Stifters Dinge," a performance piece by Heiner Goebbels, was showcased at Théâtre de Gennevilliers under the direction of Pascal Rambert. This unique work employs no human actors; instead, it utilizes a mechanized setup featuring two MIDI upright pianos, three motorized pianos, speakers, and approximately sixty automated modules. The soundscape incorporates traditional melodies, spoken excerpts from William Burroughs, and a movement from a Bach concerto. Visual components consist of video projections, lighting effects, reflective surfaces, water floors, and smoke machines. The title pays homage to Austrian author Adalbert Stifter. Goebbels seeks to develop a perception-driven system, inspired by Denis Guénoun's theatrical ideas. The piece first debuted at Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne in 2007 and was later presented at the Festival d'Avignon in July 2008.