Microbiome Restaurant: Haute Cuisine for the Rectum

Humans are not autonomous individuals, but an ecosystem. The body is a “holobiont” that hosts trillions of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa. Together, they profoundly affect not only our physical state, but also our emotions and the decisions we believe we make so rationally.

The highly sensory experiences of Microbiome Restaurant bring us closer to the invisible world within our own bodies. Haute Cuisine for the Rectum lets you experience how your gut flora affects your emotions by feeding it during a surreal gastronomic experience for three, in which you are served an oral and rectal menu tailored to specific emotional desires. Outside performing hours the experience space offers an art exhibition and audio installation.

The performance experience is speculative, but scientifically validated. It gives a visceral sense of just how much established (Western, liberal, colonial) ideas about human autonomy and reason conflict with our biological reality. Experience yourself as the holobiont you are.

Good to Know:
- Ages 18 and up
- 3 participants per time slot  
- Not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors who are hard of hearing  
- Not recommended for people with low blood pressure  
- Please mind: Includes both oral and rectal snacks  
- By purchasing a ticket, you agree to actively participate, but consent is requested separately for each course.  
- Visitors who are ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused participation on site. Tickets will not be refunded in these cases.

More: What to expect & essential info 

Initial concept developed by POLYMORF in collaboration with Hazal Ertürkan. This project has been supported through funding from the Creative Industries Fund NL, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and CIIIC

Explore more DocLab! Alongside this event, discover a wide variety of interactive artworks at the free IDFA DocLab exhibition at de Brakke Grond. Reserve your free entry ticket at idfa.nl/expo