Teach­able Machines

I had the incredible opportunity to design costumes for an inclusive and thought-provoking project that explored the parallels between early AI development and sign language as practiced within the deaf community. Directed by Anne Pretzsch and Alexander Weinstock, the play unraveled the story of a unique species evolving through three distinct stages.

For this project, I not only conceptualized the designs but also handcrafted the majority of the costumes. To evoke an otherworldly, alien aesthetic, I chose lycra—a synthetic fabric known for its elasticity and body-hugging qualities. The actors expressed their signs with powerful, full-body movements, and to accommodate this physicality, I infused elements of sportswear into the designs. This approach ensured both freedom of movement and visual cohesiveness.

One of the centerpiece elements of the production was a massive curtain that I crafted from the same lycra material. It served as a symbolic representation of birth and emergence. During the introductory scenes of each era, the actors interacted with the fabric in a choreographed sequence, pressing their bodies into it to create an arresting visual of anonymous forms struggling to emerge or break free.

I am deeply grateful to Theater an der Ruhr in Mülheim for their invaluable support, granting me access to their extensive costume archive. This resource enriched my creative process and allowed me to bring an extra layer of depth to the designs.