Anxious Arrivals is an innovative XR (extended reality) performance that builds on CREW's earlier work, Delirious Departures. Delirious Departures explored the concept of travel and dislocation by immersing audiences in a virtual journey through a train station—symbol of movement and freedom that were abruptly halted during the pandemic. This earlier work set the stage for Anxious Arrivals, which continues to investigate the relationship between physical and virtual spaces.

In Anxious Arrivals, audiences are invited to experience three immersive scenes that blend live performance with virtual reality. As we emerge from periods of quarantine and reconnect with our surroundings, this performance reflects on how freedom of movement can be mirrored and expanded in the virtual realm.

The experience is brought to life using VR headsets that allow participants to explore expansive virtual environments with high-fidelity graphics and immersive sound. Multiple performers are captured in motion and seamlessly integrated into the virtual spaces, while an advanced camera system brings the virtual scenery to life.

Anxious Arrivals offers a unique opportunity to explore how new technologies can help us rediscover and redefine our connections with both space and each other.

CREW is an international team of researchers, performers, technologists, dramaturgs, musicians, programmers, writers and designers with currently at its core two artists: Eric Joris and Isjtar Vandebroeck. As an arts organisation crossing the boundaries of art, science and technology, CREW continues to ask a simple question: how does technology change us?

Concept: Eric Joris & Isjtar Vandebroeck
Created with: Booi Kluiving and Wieke Van Rosmalen,
Jerry Killick, Shelbatra Jashari
3D-Design: Isjtar Vandebroeck, Eric Joris, Haryo Sukmawanto
Composition and sound design: Isjtar Vandebroeck
Text: Mia Vaerman, Eric Joris
Voice: Jerry Killick
Technological research: Isjtar Vandebroeck, Haryo Sukmawanto
Coordination: Anouk Focquier and Lauranne Nédée

Supported by Horizon Europe Max-R and EMIL