FRIEND OR FOE

Solo performanceDuration 60 minutes

"Friend or Foe" is a system of aircraft radar recognition used in air defense forces. This system allows missiles to distinguish enemy aircraft from friendly ones. It is crucial to accurately determine the ownership of the aircraft to prevent tragedies. The system utilizes radar sensors that respond to signals sent from the ground station and relay them back. If the system makes a mistake, a tragedy can occur.

How does a similar process occur in humans?
We can see, smell, hear voices, and probably use tactile sensations. Every day, we encounter strangers on the street, often find ourselves in gatherings with many unfamiliar faces, and sometimes travel to places we've never been before. When entering a new social group, we somehow select the people with whom we find it interesting and comfortable to communicate. We make choices using our individual recognition system of "friend or foe," which is not explicitly described. Sometimes we make mistakes.

On January 8, 2020, two "surface-to-air" missiles shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane in Iran. The recognition system failed.

Once, one person meets another in a place they have been many times before, and the system makes its decision. From this moment, a new personal story can begin.
Or the global history of the world can turn into hell.

Director, choreographer, performer Anton OvchinnikovBlack O!Range Dance Productionswith the support of House of Europe and PostPlayTheater (Kyiv)
June 11 - 16th, 2020PostPlayTheater, Kyiv, Ukraine