deus::ex::machina is a physical expression of human geography, a search for finding connection within chaos. This multiplayer game invites viewers to meet online in a shared experience of simulated connection.

This virtual experience is driven by you, the viewer, and demonstrates a real-time exercise in cause and effect, infinite probability, and random points of connection. In this extended reality, the viewer controls the dancers through multiple online voting processes, ultimately deciding their own unique experience of the performance, as it unfolds via live stream.

Concept, Choreography, Creative Direction: Louise Coetzer
Coding & Digital Design: Sibongiseni Tembe, Marc Nicolson, Padraig Riley ( Thingking)
Music by: Lungiswa Plaatjies, Cara Stacey, Object Agency, Franco Prinsloo, NASA Sounds of Mars & Other spaceflight missions, edited by Brydon Bolton
Performers: Mukovhe Monyai, Christopher Sherwood, Farnel Smart, Tania Mteto, Carla Scholtz

This is is a PATAP Project: The Pan-African Telematic Art Project (PATAP) is a new initiative of the Vrystaat Arts Festival through the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE), in partnership with the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, Ars Electronica, and the University of the Free State’s Program for Innovation in Artform Development (PIAD).

Supported through:
Principle Funder: National Lotteries Commission
University of the Free State,
Program for Innovation in Artform Development (PIAD)
Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation