The Machine of Horizontal Dreams is an artistic platform and research that aims to examine, question and re-imagine the Western notion of progress in our society, environment, and bodies.
Contemporary ideas around the decolonisation of academia and the emergence of the Global South has led us to acknowledge a lack of multidimensional approaches to how progress can manifest.
By engaging critically with these ideas, The Machine of Horizontal Dreams allows re-thinking and collectively re-imagining the notion of progress by experimenting with its different and potentially new
forms.
This research aims to find the dialogue between sensualities of the human and non-human bodies. It will look at progress from a somatic point of view, proposing choreographic thinking and practices of care where nature, human and non-human, redefine progress as a pleasurable and nourishing way of co-existing together. Pepa Ubera will look at philosophies and practices of time as articulated in the Global South, particularly inspired by the work of aboriginal writers from the Australian context like Ambelin Kwaymullina. Ambelin Kwaymullina’s work creates Non-Linear Modes of Narrative and disruption of time where everything on earth is interconnected and interrelated to survive.
The Machine of Horizontal Dreams will manifest in different forms: workshops with community members and audiences, a theoretical thesis and a performance installation. The public presentation will be a unique multidimensional performance installation that includes interactive technology, video art, live sound and lighting, performed in a circular space to remove any hierarchical structure, inviting audience participation
which will also shape and shift the space.
The Machine of Horizontal Dreams will premiere at Sadler’s Wells East 2025 opening season at the Olympic Park in Newham. The piece will be available for touring across the UK and internationally thereafter.
The Machine of Horizontal Dreams
