Without microchips, our world would stand still: they control smartphones, vehicles, power grids, communication systems, stock exchanges and military systems. Microchips are not only technical components, but also key geopolitical factors. With “Silicon Dreams”, OutOfTheBox focuses on the microchip as a global instrument of power and a driver of regional strategies for the future. What is often overlooked: The microchip industry has a long history in East Germany. Research and production of microelectronics was already underway in the GDR.

A highly specialized industry has survived to this day, particularly in Saxony, which is once again becoming the focus of international attention in the wake of new high-tech settlements.
“Silicon Dreams” invites the audience to immerse themselves in this little-known past and a possible digital future. In an object theater performance, documentary material meets specially developed software and hardware objects. Between historical finds and speculative scenarios, a multi-layered space is created that interweaves the past, present and future of the microchip in East Germany.

OutOfTheBox develops speculative software and creates performative experiential spaces at the interface of theater, media art and game design.

 Notes on accessibility: Information about the accessibility of the venue in structural terms can be found here.