Sergiu Matis – Extinction Room (Hopeless.)

Extinction Room (Hopeless.) is a performative multi-channel sound installation consisting of recordings of extinct and endangered species of birds. It explores the concept of nature in Western society and its representation in artistic and cultural production, at a time when climate change specialists have given us permission to panic. Throughout this soundscape of bird calls, cries and songs, developed in collaboration with composer AGF (aka Antye Greie), the performers recount the stories of these species. The birds’ extinction narratives interweave with their myths. Folk songs and dances are brought to life. The emotional load – the sorrow – is intensified by the performers who lead us through these traumatic experiences of loss. 

Matis' performance echoes current organisations like Extinction Rebellion (abbreviated as XR), a nonviolent global environmental movement with the aim of compelling government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.

Credits and team

Concept, choreography: Sergiu Matiș
With: Manon Parent, Sergiu Matiș, Martin Hansen
Sound installation and composition: AGF aka Antye Greie
Text: Sergiu Matiș, Mila Pavicevic,
Species research: Philip Ingman
Dramaturgy: Mila Pavicevic
Sound: Martin Lutz
Animal recordings from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Xeno-canto Foundation.

Production management: 4Culture Association