In Japan, thousands of individuals live in complete isolation, staying confined to their homes for years; they are called hikikomori. HIKU blends cinematic installation and performance to create an unlikely encounter between the audience and those who have experienced radical social withdrawal. Shizuka, Mastuda, and Yagi perform on stage through telepresence robots, remotely controlled from their homes in Japan. Along with performer Yuika Hokama, they share their personal stories and introduce us to the activist community formed around their association. The performance explores themes of loneliness, the aggression of the outside world, and the dream of escape that one tries to realize at home—or not. The company Shonen embarks on a long-term collaboration in Geneva, expanding both in time and space.
In French.
